Gareth SouthgateCoach·Gareth Southgate, the former EnglandTeam·England national team manager, has once again highlighted his deep-seated worries about the trajectory of young men in contemporary society, stating, "So many boys are now lost. It worries me." This sentiment underscores his dedicated work and public discourse since his departure from the EnglandTeam·England managerial role in July 2024.
Southgate has transitioned his focus from the demands of elite football management to a broader advocacy for young people, particularly young men navigating complex societal pressures. In March 2025, he delivered the annual Richard Dimbleby Lecture, where he explicitly addressed the escalating threat posed by "toxic discourse on social media." During this significant address, he referenced a "Lost Boys report," asserting that "Young men are suffering. They are feeling isolated. They're grappling with their masculinity and with their broader place in society." He further cautioned against the influence of "toxic influencers" who, he noted, are "willingly trick young men into believing that success is measured by money or dominance, never showing emotion, and that the world... including women... is against them." Southgate also expressed concern that young boys are "falling into unhealthy alternatives like gaming, gambling and pornography."
In November 2025, Southgate confirmed his decision not to pursue a return to football management, signaling his intention to concentrate on "finding other areas where I think I might be able to make a difference." His stated aim is to work directly with young people and actively counter what he perceives as a "negative narrative" prevalent in the country.
More recently, in May 2026, Southgate drew attention to the economic barriers hindering youth participation in sports. He warned that many families are unable to afford essential sports equipment, stating that they "can't afford to buy kit" for sports and physical education lessons. This financial strain, he argued, significantly increases "the risk kids end up in front of screens a lot of the time" rather than engaging in vital physical activity.
These ongoing concerns will be further explored in a new BBC documentary titled "Gareth SouthgateCoach·Gareth Southgate: Changing the Game for Young Men," scheduled to air on June 8, 2026. The hour-long special will follow Southgate as he travels across the United Kingdom, engaging with young men and boys to understand why many feel adrift and uncertain about their futures. The documentary will feature encounters with individuals facing challenges such as school difficulties, unemployment, and the absence of paternal figures, alongside discussions with young inmates to explore pathways into crime. Southgate hopes the program will "change the national conversation" and foster greater support for young men to realize their full potential.
It is important to note that Southgate's current advocacy is distinct from the performance of the EnglandTeam·England national team. Thomas Tuchel assumed the role of EnglandTeam·England manager in January 2025, and under his leadership, EnglandTeam·England became the first European nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World CupCompetition·FIFA World Cup, securing victories in all six of their qualification matches as of October 14, 2025. The team currently holds the 4th position in the FIFA World Rankings as of April 21, 2026. Southgate's focus remains on broader societal issues impacting youth development, which, while indirectly influencing the future talent pool for sports, are not tied to the national team's immediate competitive standing.
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