Gareth Southgate in line for shock management return as former England boss ‘applies’ for Poland job

England boss Gareth Southgate walks past the trophy at the end of the Euro 2024 final against Spain at the Olympiastadion in Berlin last July. Photo: Adrian Dennis/AFP

Former England manager Gareth Southgate has applied to become the new head coach of Poland’s national team, reports claim.

The 54-year-old has been out of a job since he stepped down as England manager last July following his side’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

Southgate led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, the Euro 2020 final, the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals, and the Euro 2024 final.

Southgate was also considered a potential candidate for the Manchester United job in 2024 following Erik ten Hag's underwhelming start to the 2024-25 campaign.

However, he extinguished all discourse of making a quick return to management and made it clear that “there's no rush” to find his next role after his resignation with England and hinted at a role in football outside of management.

"I won’t coach in the next year for sure, I’m certain of that,” Southgate said in October.

"I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.

“I’m fortunate that there are lots of different opportunities that are presenting themselves. The business side of football is really interesting."

According to Polish daily newspaper Przeglad Sportowy, Southgate has now submitted an application to become Poland’s new head coach.

The Poles are looking for a new head coach following Michal Probierz’s resignation last week.

The decision came after Robert Lewandowski, Poland’s record goalscorer, said he would not play for his country while Probierz is in charge after he was replaced as captain by Piotr Zielinski.

“Taking into account the circumstances and a loss of trust in the coach, I have decided to resign from playing for the Poland national team for as long as he remains in charge,” Lewandowski said in a statement.

Probierz opted to step down as Poland’s head coach and said in a statement: “I have come to the conclusion that the best decision for the good of the national team will be my resignation from the position of coach.”

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