Gareth Southgate - Speaker

Gareth Southgate is a well-known English football manager and former player, recognized for his influence on the sport. He started his career at Crystal Palace in 1990, becoming club captain in 1993 and helping the team win the First Division championship that season. In 1995, he moved to Aston Villa, winning the League Cup in 1996 and reaching the FA Cup final in 2000. Southgate joined Middlesbrough in 2001, leading them to their first major trophy, the League Cup, in 2004, and played in the UEFA Cup final in 2006. He retired in 2006 after over 500 league appearances. After retiring, Southgate became the manager of Middlesbrough in 2006, finishing 12th in his first Premier League season. He left the club in 2009 after their relegation. In 2013, he took charge of the England under-21 team, leading them to the 2015 European Championship finals, though they finished bottom of their group. In September 2016, Southgate was appointed caretaker manager of the England senior team, winning his first match against Malta. He became the permanent manager in November 2016. Under his leadership, England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the final of UEFA Euro 2020, the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the final of UEFA Euro 2024. Southgate holds the record for the most games managed by an England manager, with 102 matches and 62 victories. He has received the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Coach Award in 2018 and 2021. He is also known for his commitment to social justice, promoting values like equality and inclusivity. His legacy includes strong leadership and the ability to inspire a nation. His letters to fans, especially before Euro 2020, have been praised for their honesty and motivational impact. Despite not receiving a knighthood, he is widely for his contributions to football and the community.