Gareth Southgate says that he does not miss managing England

“I think it's important that I am on that sofa and out of their way.”

He made the shocking revelation after receiving his knighthood in a ceremony at Windsor Castle earlier today. 

Southgate stepped down as England manager last summer after the nation’s loss to Spain in the final of Euro 2024. The conclusion of the tournament capped off seven-and-a-half-years in charge for the 54-year-old.

"It is a little bit strange [watching the team] but also I'm not missing it," Southgate told BBC Sport.

"I think it's important that I am on that sofa and out of their way, you know. It's theirs to take on now and I think it's important that I give the team as much space as possible."

The former Middlesborough, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace midfielder said the weight associated with the role made it difficult at times. 

"I think it's hard to describe because until that weight's gone you don't necessarily realise just on a day-to-day basis, you know, every hour of my day was thinking about how do I make England better, what's happening with the players, how do we do things differently," he said.

Southgate led England to their best performance at a major tournament since 1990 during the 2018 World Cup, which was Southgate’s first as manager. 

The Three Lions went one better by reaching the finals at both Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 — but his side ultimately fell short of winning either. 

Southgate has been succeeded as full-time manager by ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel who will be looking to take The Three Lions all the way at next summer’s World Cup.