Gareth Southgate has reportedly secured a new position with UEFA less than two months after resigning as England’s head coach. The 53-year-old left his previous role after Euro 2024, concluding an eight-year tenure leading the national team.
Southgate’s name has been associated with several roles over recent months, even before his departure from the England setup was announced. He was linked to Manchester United before Erik ten Hag signed a new contract at Old Trafford.
Reports now suggest that Southgate has taken on a new role that will last until the end of the season. He will attend matches as a UEFA technical observer, with former Everton manager David Moyes also taking up the same role, according to Henry Winter.
Technical observers are responsible for analysing matches from a coaching viewpoint and producing comprehensive reports with video and statistical analysis. They have access to multiple camera angles, cutting-edge visualisation tools and a wealth of data to aid their observations.
The role also involves identifying trends in football play, with their insights providing a more holistic view to coaches and coach educators. Ex-Everton boss Roberto Martinez, formerly a UEFA technical observer, shared his insights on the governing body’s official website.
Martinez explained: “Instead of just watching the game for a specific reason, in my capacity as a national team coach, you are watching it in a more holistic way and appreciating the development of the game and the competition itself.
It could be different types of performances, from young players, for example, or the way the competition is getting tougher physically and cuter tactically with the new trends within the competition.
Numerous managers and former coaches were present as technical observers at Euro 2024, including Fabio Capello, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Avram Grant, Aitor Karanka, and Frank de Boer. With Southgate taking on a role with UEFA, he will seemingly be off the managerial radar until at least the end of the current season.
The Football Association hasn’t yet announced who will take over the reins of England’s squad, as Everton cult hero Lee Carsley temporarily stands
