Gareth Southgate stepped down as England boss two years ago, and a new era begins as England faces Croatia in their opening Group L match of World Cup 2026. This high-profile fixture marks Thomas Tuchel's official major tournament debut as the national team's new manager.
The First Stage
This clash in Texas marks the squad's first major tournament match since Gareth Southgate stepped down. For nearly a decade, Southgate was the familiar face guiding the nation through high-stakes summer campaigns.
The Departure
Southgate officially stepped down from his position on July 16, 2024. His exit came just two days after England suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Time for Change
The former boss stated that it was simply time for a new chapter and fresh leadership to guide the squad forward. Having managed a massive 102 games, he felt a clean break would best serve the team's future international goals.
Tactical Analysis
Immediately following his resignation, he joined UEFA as a technical observer to stay connected to elite European football. He continues to fulfil this advisory role by analysing complex match data and tactical trends for major European fixtures.
Academic Pursuits
Beyond his tactical duties, he has excelled in academia as a visiting lecturer at the prestigious Harvard Business School. His historic eight-year tenure with the England squad was even turned into a formal executive leadership case study taught at the institution.
Documentary and Books
Expanding his reach into mainstream media, his acclaimed third book hit the shelves in late 2025. He also recently presented a June 2026 BBC documentary series focusing on the mental health, education and societal challenges facing young men in Britain.
Managerial Future
When asked about a potential return to the dugout, Southgate admitted he is not actively looking for his next coaching position. However, he remains open-minded and refuses to close the door completely on unexpected paths that might emerge down the road.
The Next Challenge
Once the opening match against Croatia concludes, England will immediately turn their attention to Ghana for their second group fixture. That match is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, at the Boston Stadium in Massachusetts.
Group Stage Finale
The squad will then conclude their initial group stage journey by playing against Panama on Saturday, June 27. This final first-round match is set to take place at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
