History of Gareth Southgate in Timeline
Gareth Southgate is a former English professional football player, known for his roles as defender and midfielder. His most recent prominent role was managing the England men's national team. While the provided text doesn't specify his tenure's timeframe, it highlights his significant contribution to English football.
1928: England's Previous Worst Home Defeat
In 1928, England suffered their previous worst home defeat prior to the 4-0 loss to Hungary in June 2022
September 1970: Birth of Gareth Southgate
Gareth Southgate was born in September 1970.
1987: Southgate's Studies at Croydon College
Southgate pursued further education at Croydon College from 1987.
1989: Completion of City & Guilds Certificate
Southgate successfully completed a City & Guilds Certificate in Recreation and Leisure Industries in 1989.
October 1990: Southgate Makes his Professional Debut
Southgate's professional debut took place in October 1990, marking the beginning of his journey in professional football.
1990: Bobby Robson's Semi-Final Achievement
In 1990, England, under the management of Bobby Robson, reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, a feat that wouldn't be replicated until Southgate's leadership in 2018.
1990: Southgate's Debut at Crystal Palace
Southgate's professional football journey began with his debut for Crystal Palace in 1990.
March 1991: Southgate's League Debut
Southgate made his league debut in March 1991, a significant milestone in his football career.
1993: Southgate Appointed Captain of Crystal Palace
At the young age of 23, Southgate was appointed captain of Crystal Palace in 1993.
1995: Southgate Transfers to Aston Villa
Southgate transferred to Aston Villa in 1995 after making over 150 appearances with Crystal Palace.
1996: League Cup Victory with Aston Villa
Southgate celebrated a significant achievement in 1996 by winning the League Cup with Aston Villa.
July 1997: Southgate Marries Alison Bird
Gareth Southgate married Alison Bird in July 1997. The wedding ceremony was held at St Nicholas Church in Worth.
1998: Consistent Performance at Aston Villa
Southgate was an integral part of Aston Villa's defense, playing every Premier League game during the 1998-99 season.
1999: Consistent Performance at Aston Villa
Southgate was an integral part of Aston Villa's defense, playing every Premier League game during the 1998-99 season.
2000: Aston Villa Reaches FA Cup Final
Southgate and Aston Villa reached the FA Cup final in 2000, a testament to their hard work and team spirit.
January 2001: Terry Venables Wins Manager of the Month
In January 2001, Terry Venables, then manager of Middlesbrough, won the Premier League Manager of the Month award.
July 2001: Southgate Joins Middlesbrough
Southgate made a significant move in his career by signing with Middlesbrough in July 2001.
2001: Release of Atomic Kitten's "Whole Again"
In 2001, the English pop group Atomic Kitten released their hit single "Whole Again," which would later be adapted into a chant by England football fans in support of Gareth Southgate during the 2018 World Cup.
July 2002: Southgate Becomes Captain of Middlesbrough
Following Paul Ince's departure, Southgate was appointed captain of Middlesbrough in July 2002.
2002: Middlesbrough's Transfer Activity
In 2002, Middlesbrough was active in the transfer market, breaking their transfer record with the signing of Afonso Alves. They also brought back Jonathan Woodgate after a loan spell.
May 2003: Southgate's Second International Goal
Southgate found the back of the net for England once again in May 2003, scoring in a friendly match against South Africa.
2003: Publication of "Woody & Nord: A Football Friendship"
In 2003, Southgate co-authored a book with his friend Andy Woodman, titled "Woody & Nord: A Football Friendship." The book delves into their long-standing friendship that began during their time in the Crystal Palace youth team and has endured despite the contrasting trajectories of their professional careers.
January 2004: Southgate Stays Loyal to Middlesbrough
Amidst rumors of a potential transfer, Southgate demonstrated his loyalty to Middlesbrough by dismissing speculations of joining Manchester United.
February 2004: Leading Middlesbrough to League Cup Glory
As captain, Southgate led Middlesbrough to a historic victory in the League Cup final against Bolton Wanderers in February 2004.
2004: "Woody & Nord: A Football Friendship" Wins Sports Book of the Year Award
Gareth Southgate and Andy Woodman's book, "Woody & Nord: A Football Friendship," received the prestigious Sports Book of the Year award from the National Sporting Club (now known as the British Sports Book Awards) in 2004.
2004: League Cup Triumph with Middlesbrough
Southgate experienced another League Cup victory in 2004, this time with Middlesbrough.
June 2006: Southgate Appointed Middlesbrough Manager
Southgate's transition from player to manager began in June 2006 when he was appointed as Middlesbrough's manager.
August 2006: Southgate's Managerial Reign Begins at Middlesbrough
In August 2006, Southgate's tenure as Middlesbrough's manager began. He took on a rebuilding project, bringing in several players, including notable signings like Julio Arca and Robert Huth. His first match was a loss against Reading, but the team bounced back with a win against Chelsea.
November 2006: Southgate Receives Special Dispensation from Premier League
Southgate was granted a special dispensation from the Premier League board in November 2006, allowing him to continue managing Middlesbrough despite initially lacking the required UEFA Pro Licence.
2006: Southgate as Co-commentator for ITV Sport at World Cup
During the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Gareth Southgate took on the role of co-commentator for ITV Sport. He worked alongside Clive Tyldesley, providing commentary for group stage matches. However, due to his managerial responsibilities at Middlesbrough, he was only present for the first two weeks of the four-week tournament.
2006: Southgate's Final Appearance and UEFA Cup Final
In 2006, Southgate marked the end of his playing career with his final appearance in the UEFA Cup final against Sevilla.
2006: UEFA Cup Final Appearance
Southgate played a key role in Middlesbrough's journey to the UEFA Cup final in 2006.
December 2007: Southgate as Potential National Team Manager
In December 2007, Arsène Wenger suggested that Southgate could be a suitable candidate to manage the English national team. Despite facing criticism earlier in the season, Southgate managed to guide Middlesbrough to avoid relegation and finish in thirteenth place. Notably, they secured a record-breaking 8-1 victory against Manchester City.
2007: Southgate Extends Contract with Middlesbrough
Southgate's commitment to Middlesbrough was evident when he extended his contract with the club until 2007.
November 2008: Middlesbrough's Fluctuating Performance
In November 2008, Middlesbrough, under Southgate's management, climbed to eighth place in the league after a win against Aston Villa. However, their form declined, and they went on a 14-game winless streak.
2008: Southgate's Pre-Season Challenges and Recognition
The pre-season of 2008 presented challenges for Southgate as Middlesbrough faced financial constraints and the departure of key players. Despite this, the team secured two wins out of three, leading to Southgate being named Premier League Manager of the Month for August. This achievement marked him as the second person to receive both the Player and Manager of the Month awards.
February 2009: Pressure Mounts on Southgate
In February 2009, Middlesbrough's winless streak continued, increasing the pressure on Southgate's position as manager. The team's struggle to secure wins led to calls for his dismissal from some supporters. However, chairman Steve Gibson expressed his support for Southgate, stating that a change in management would not be beneficial.
October 2009: Southgate's Controversial Departure from Middlesbrough
In October 2009, despite having Middlesbrough in a competitive position in the Championship, Southgate was dismissed as manager. The decision was met with controversy as the team was close to the top of the table. Chairman Gibson defended the decision, stating it was made in the club's best interests.
2009: Departure from Middlesbrough Management
Southgate's time as Middlesbrough's manager ended with his dismissal in 2009.
2010: Southgate Returns to Punditry After Middlesbrough
Following his tenure as Middlesbrough's manager, which ended in 2010, Gareth Southgate returned to his role as a football pundit and co-commentator. He primarily worked with ITV, covering FA Cup and UEFA Champions League matches and providing analysis for England's games.
January 2011: Southgate Appointed FA's Head of Elite Development
In January 2011, Southgate took on a significant role within the Football Association (FA). He was appointed as the head of elite development, working closely with Trevor Brooking.
July 2012: Southgate Leaves FA's Elite Development Role
In July 2012, Southgate stepped down from his position as the FA's head of elite development, a role he had held for over a year. Although he was considered a strong contender for the technical director position, he decided to withdraw his candidacy.
August 2013: Southgate Returns to Management with England U21s
In August 2013, Southgate returned to management, taking charge of the England under-21 team. He succeeded Stuart Pearce, who had overseen a 6-0 win over Scotland prior to Southgate's appointment. His first game in charge was a 1-0 victory over Moldova in a European Championship qualification match.
2013: Southgate Takes Helm of England's Under-21 Team
Southgate took on the role of manager for the England under-21 team in 2013.
June 2016: Southgate Declines Senior Team Position
In June 2016, Southgate declined the opportunity to manage the England senior team, a position that had become vacant after Roy Hodgson's departure.
September 2016: Southgate Takes Temporary Charge of England
In September 2016, following Sam Allardyce's resignation, Southgate was appointed as the caretaker manager of the England senior team during the World Cup 2018 qualifying stages.
2016: Middlesbrough's Return to the Premier League
In 2016, Middlesbrough, under Aitor Karanka's management, earned promotion back to the Premier League after several seasons in the Championship.
2016: Appointment as England's Senior Team Manager
Southgate's leadership qualities and experience led to his appointment as England's senior team manager in 2016.
October 2017: England Qualifies for the 2018 World Cup
In October 2017, Southgate guided England to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup after defeating Slovenia. The Football Association expressed their support for Southgate, stating he would remain as manager regardless of the team's performance in the group stages.
2017: Celtic Fans' Adaptation of "Whole Again"
In the 2017-2018 season, Celtic supporters had already adapted Atomic Kitten's song "Whole Again" into a chant for their defender Mikael Lustig, predating its use by England fans for Gareth Southgate in the 2018 World Cup.
July 2018: England's World Cup Journey Ends in Semifinals
In July 2018, Gareth Southgate led the England national team to the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup, where they faced a 2-1 defeat against Croatia in extra time. Despite Trippier's early goal, Croatia managed to equalize. In a tense finish, England played the final moments with ten men due to Trippier's injury, eventually losing to a Mandzukic goal. England finished the tournament in fourth place after a 2-0 loss to Belgium. Notably, Harry Kane clinched the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer.
July 2018: Southgate Leads England to World Cup Quarterfinals
In July 2018, Southgate led England to a historic victory over Colombia in a penalty shootout, securing their place in the World Cup quarterfinals. This marked England's first-ever win in a World Cup penalty shootout. They then defeated Sweden, making Southgate the first England manager since Bobby Robson to guide the team to the semi-finals.
2018: Southgate's Tactical Flexibility with England
During his time as England manager, notably during the 2018 World Cup, Gareth Southgate showcased tactical flexibility by adapting the team's formation based on the opponents they faced. He utilized a range of formations, including 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, 3-4-3, and 3-5-2. The specific formation employed in the 2018 World Cup sparked debate, with interpretations ranging from a 3-5-2 to a more distinctive "3-3-2-2" setup.
2018: England Fans Adapt Atomic Kitten Song for Southgate
During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, England supporters adopted the chorus of "Whole Again," a popular 2001 song by the English girl group Atomic Kitten, turning it into a chant to show their support for manager Gareth Southgate. Interestingly, Celtic fans had previously adapted the same song in honor of defender Mikael Lustig earlier in the 2017-2018 season.
2018: Southgate Appointed as Permanent England Manager
Following a successful stint as caretaker manager, Southgate was appointed as the permanent manager of the England national team in 2018, signing a four-year contract.
2018: FA's Support for Southgate's Long-Term Vision
In 2018, the Football Association reaffirmed its support for Southgate, viewing the World Cup as a significant step in the team's development, regardless of their progression beyond the group stages.
November 2019: Southgate Named Honorary Yorkshireman
In November 2019, Gareth Southgate received the distinction of being named an Honorary Yorkshireman by Welcome to Yorkshire. This honor is bestowed upon individuals who, despite being born outside of Yorkshire, have significantly impacted the region.
2019: Southgate Receives OBE for Services to Football
Gareth Southgate was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2019 New Year Honours. This prestigious recognition was bestowed upon him for his exceptional contributions to the sport of football.
2019: England Secures Third Place in UEFA Nations League
In 2019, Southgate guided England to a third-place finish in the first-ever UEFA Nations League tournament. They triumphed in their group, which featured formidable opponents Spain and Croatia. Their victory against Spain marked their first on Spanish soil in 31 years. Despite a semifinal loss to the Netherlands, they bounced back, winning a penalty shootout against Switzerland to secure third place. This achievement was England's first podium finish in a major international competition since 1968.
April 2020: Southgate Takes Salary Cut Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
In April 2020, during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gareth Southgate voluntarily agreed to a 30% reduction in his salary as a gesture of solidarity and support.
November 2020: Release of "Anything Is Possible: Be Brave, Be Kind & Follow Your Dreams"
In November 2020, Gareth Southgate's book titled "Anything Is Possible: Be Brave, Be Kind & Follow Your Dreams" was published.
2020: England's Strong Showing at UEFA Euro 2020
In the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament, Southgate's England team topped Group D, which included Croatia, Scotland, and the Czech Republic. They secured victories against Croatia and the Czech Republic, with both goals scored by Raheem Sterling, and drew against Scotland. Their journey continued with a 2-0 victory over Germany in the round of 16, marking their first knockout stage win in the European Championship since 1996. It was also their first time defeating Germany in a knockout match since the 1966 World Cup final.
July 2021: Atomic Kitten Releases "Southgate You're The One"
In July 2021, Atomic Kitten released a full-length adaptation of their song "Whole Again", titled "Southgate You're The One (Football's Coming Home Again)", to celebrate the England football team's performance in the Euro 2020 tournament. The song featured reworked lyrics celebrating England manager Gareth Southgate.
November 2021: England Qualifies for World Cup, Southgate Extends Contract
In November 2021, England secured their qualification for the World Cup with an impressive 10-0 win over San Marino. Following this achievement, Southgate signed a contract extension, ensuring his position as England manager until December 2024.
2021: BBC Sports Personality of the Year Coach Award
Southgate's exceptional coaching abilities were recognized with the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Coach Award in 2021.
June 2022: England's Mixed Performance in UEFA Nations League
In June 2022, Southgate's England team participated in the UEFA Nations League, where they faced a mixed bag of results. The team drew three matches and lost the remaining three, including a heavy 4-0 defeat against Hungary. This marked England's worst home defeat since 1928.
December 2022: Southgate to Remain England Manager Until 2024
On December 18, 2022, the Football Association (FA) confirmed that Gareth Southgate would continue as the manager of the England national football team until after the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament. This decision came after Southgate led England to the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they lost to France.
October 2023: England Secures Early Qualification for Euro 2024
On October 17, 2023, England successfully secured their qualification for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament with two qualifying games still remaining. Their successful campaign included their first home and away victories against Italy since 1977 and 1961, respectively. England finished the qualification round at the top of their group, maintaining an undefeated record throughout the year.
2023: "Dear England" Play Premieres in London
In 2023, a play titled "Dear England", focusing on the life and career of Gareth Southgate, premiered at the National Theatre in London. The play, written by James Graham, starred Joseph Fiennes as Southgate.
December 2024: End Date of Southgate's Contract Extension
December 2024 marks the end date of Southgate's contract extension as England manager, which was signed in November 2021.
2024: England's UEFA Euro 2024 Final Appearance
England, with Southgate at the helm, secured a place in the final of UEFA Euro 2024.
2024: UEFA Euro 2024 Tournament
The UEFA Euro 2024 tournament will be held in 2024. England successfully qualified for the tournament in October 2023 with two games to spare.
