Gareth Southgate — what to expect from England’s manager

Gareth Southgate has become the face of England’s recent national teams. Appointed as interim manager in 2016 and then given the job permanently, he led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, the Euro 2020 final and a strong showing at the 2022 World Cup. If you want to understand his decisions — lineups, substitutions and who plays where — this guide gives you the practical details that matter.

Tactical approach: simple, structured, flexible

Southgate usually builds teams that are compact and hard to break down. He often prefers formations like 3-4-3 or 4-3-3 depending on the opponent. Key points to watch:

- Wing-backs matter: when he plays three at the back, wing-backs push high to give width. That means full-backs can be good fantasy picks when fit and in form.
- Midfield balance: he likes one deep midfielder to shield the defence and a creative number 8. Expect a cautious pivot and a more adventurous partner if England need to press.
- Set pieces: Southgate drills set-piece routines. Corners and free-kicks are often targeted, so tall defenders can be dangerous in the box.
- Game management: he prefers controlled possession over wild attacking bursts. If England need a goal, substitutions often add pace on the flanks rather than a second striker.

Selection clues, strengths and where he gets criticised

Want to predict his starting XI? Look at three things: recent press conferences, player club form, and injury updates. Southgate reads players’ fitness closely and will rotate in tournaments to protect legs. He also trusts young talent — you’ll see fresh faces introduced in qualifiers and friendlies.

Strengths: calm under pressure, clear plans for tournaments, and a record of improving England’s discipline and mental toughness in shootouts and big matches. He also prioritises a squad culture that supports young players stepping up.

Criticisms: some fans say his teams can be conservative and lack attacking flair at times. Substitutions sometimes arrive late, and opponents with fast counter-attacks can expose spaces when wing-backs are high. Penalty shootouts have had mixed results — preparation improved after Euro 2020, but shootout outcomes remain unpredictable.

How to use this as a fan or fantasy player: check which formation Southgate used in the last two matches, note who played as wing-back or deep pivot, and monitor starting lineups 24 hours before kickoff. If a key creative midfielder is rested, expect fewer through-balls and lower chance of high-scoring games.

Follow this tag for match previews, squad updates and quick reads that explain his latest choices. If you want a quick tip before a game: watch the pre-match press conference — it usually gives clear clues on fitness and whether he’ll play conservatively or chase a win.