'You can find yourself mocked if you don't conform to the latest trend. As hardened as I am to criticisms, there's no way I was going to trawl through social media last summer and read abuse' Sir Gareth Southgate opens up on abuse during England spell

Gareth Southgate's management of the England national team ended in 2024 after over six years, a period characterized by notable achievements including two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final. Despite these successes, Southgate faced frequent criticism regarding his tactical approach. He expressed the emotional toll this criticism took on him during his address at the Richard Dimbleby Lecture, highlighting challenges faced in a more socially connected world. While England enjoyed significant victories under his leadership, his departure was overshadowed by the absence of a major trophy and mixed public sentiment.

"When I was growing up, the only people I had to compare myself to were the other kids on my street, in my school or my football team... but now you can find yourself mocked, bullied or ridiculed if it appears that you don't conform to whatever is deemed to be the latest trend of the day and believe me I should know."

"Despite a record-breaking stint in charge, Southgate came under regular criticism as England's boss, while his departure in 2024 was not met with the nationwide gratitude his service would usually command."

"Critics of Southgate would often pick at the manager's tactics, taking issue with the pragmatism displayed in key fixtures, such as defeats to France and Croatia in the World Cup."

"Southgate orchestrated some of England's most significant victories... although he failed to lift a trophy despite a sustained period amongst the world's best teams."

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