What's next for Gareth Southgate? The former England manager's future looks bright, with ITV pundit role on the cards or even a return to club football

Gareth Southgate stood down from his role as England manager on Tuesday morning, ending his 2,849-day reign.

The 53-year-old's resignation came less than 48 hours after the Three Lions had been beaten 2-1 by Spain in the final of Euro 2024.

That was England's second consecutive Euros final loss, after Southgate's side were defeated by Italy via a penalty shootout in the Euro 2020 showpiece.

Over the course of his near-eight-year spell, Southgate took charge of 102 games, winning 59.80 per cent of them.

The FA had been keen for him to stay, but Southgate announced on Tuesday that it was 'time for change, and for a new chapter'. But what might the next chapter look like for him? What is next for Gareth Southgate?

What will Gareth Southgate do next?

Return to club football

Southgate has been directly involved in the world of football almost non-stop since he joined Southampton's academy as a child.

He went straight into management in 2006 after ending his playing career at Middlesbrough.

After three and a bit seasons as Boro boss, he took a short break before joining the England coaching staff in 2013 - first as U21 manager, before being promoted to leader of the senior side three years later.

Southgate is widely expected to return to club management sooner or later.

He had been linked with Manchester United in recent months, before Erik ten Hag signed a new contract.

While a move to Old Trafford now looks unlikely, do not be surprised if Southgate is managing elsewhere in the Premier League at some point next season.

Television

As reported by Mail Sport earlier this week, Southgate is set to be offered a punditry role by ITV.

Southgate is held in high esteem at the broadcaster, which is ready to make him a key part of their coverage ahead of the next World Cup and beyond.

He has admirers at a high level within ITV and the prospect of him joining their panel is one they are keen on making a reality, although it is unlikely he would be in place for the Nations League match with Ireland in September given he would need time to take a break.

ITV will lose Gary Neville, who covers major tournaments for them but will now return to Sky Sports.

Rest and recovery

At 53, Southgate is still relatively young in football manager terms. With time on his side, he does not need to rush into his next job.

He is also not short of money, having earned around £5million per year towards the end of his time as England boss.

Southgate could, therefore, decide to take a break from football to enjoy an extended holiday with his wife Alison, with whom he shares children - Mia and Flynn - who are both young adults.

Although Southgate is expected to return to football at some point, there is no doubt that England's Euros campaign will have taken a lot out of him.

He is almost certain to take some sort of break to digest the last eight years. How long that break will last is less clear.