• Southgate has been linked with Manchester United
• He wants to give his mind and body time

The former England manager Gareth Southgate has ruled out a return to coaching for the next year. The 54-year-old, who resigned after England lost to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, has been heavily linked as a potential successor to Erik ten Hag as the Dutchman continues to struggle at Manchester United.

Southgate has a close relationship with United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, who as Football Association technical director in 2016 was part of the selection panel that appointed him to the England job. However, Southgate has ruled out a swift return to management.