Gareth Southgate

An authoritative figure on the pitch, Gareth Southgate made a seamless transition to the other side of the touchline following an impressive 18-year playing career, taking on the role of England national team manager in 2016.

Among over 500 senior appearances, Southgate captained both Aston Villa and Middlesbrough to League Cup final success, whilst also leading out the latter in a major European Cup final in the last game of his career. Remaining at Boro in a managerial role, Southgate earned plaudits from professionals and pundits alike, including Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who claimed Southgate was good enough to be England manager. In November 2016, he was awarded the role and guided the Three Lions to the 2018 FIFA World Cup with an unbeaten record.

Gareth led the England team to reach finals of EURO 2020, losing on penalties to Italy, their first final in 55 years. He previously led the team to the semi-finals in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where such an accomplishment was last matched in 1990. He brought a young team on, enabling them to change and develop into a successful, cohesive group. It is his leadership skills, along with his management style, that gave the team the motivation to aspire to reach the highest levels. Gareth’s qualities can be translated from the pitch to the boardroom, including leadership, mentoring and changing organisational culture.