Gareth Southgate has opened up about one of the most challenging moments of his football career and how it shaped him into the person he is today. The former England manager recalled missing a crucial penalty during the 1996 Euros semi-final against Germany, an event that still lingers in his mind.
Despite never fully moving past that painful moment, Southgate admitted that it ultimately helped him grow. He emphasized that such failures do not have to define a person’s life but can instead serve as opportunities for growth.
“Missing that penalty was undoubtedly a watershed moment that made me stronger, a better man,” he reflected. “It forced me to dig deep and revealed an inner belief and resilience I never knew existed. That pain still haunts me today, and I guess it always will.”
Southgate also highlighted the progress England has made in high-pressure situations, drawing a comparison between his missed penalty and Eric Dier’s successful kick against Colombia in 2018, when he was England’s manager. That was the first time England won a World Cup penalty shootout.
“In 1996, I had walked 30 yards to the penalty spot believing I would miss. In 2018, Eric had walked 30 yards to the penalty spot believing he would score,” he said. He praised the resilience of the England squad and how the players have developed both on and off the pitch.
Beyond football, Southgate shared his concerns about the current struggles young men face in today’s society. He pointed out that many lack positive role models and are influenced by figures who promote unrealistic ideas of success. He specifically criticized social media influencers who, in his view, mislead young men into believing that wealth and dominance are the only measures of success.
“These are callous, manipulative, and toxic influencers whose sole drive is for their own gain,” he stated. “They willingly trick young men into believing that success is measured by money or dominance, that strength means never showing emotion, and that the world, including women, is against them.”
He emphasized the importance of emotional openness, noting that many young men struggle to express their feelings to friends or family. Instead, they turn to online spaces where they are exposed to unhealthy influences.
“Young men end up withdrawing, reluctant to talk or express their emotions. They spend more time online searching for direction and are falling into unhealthy alternatives like gaming, gambling, and pornography,” he explained.
Southgate urged parents and mentors to guide young men without making life too easy for them, as this could lead to greater struggles later in life. He concluded by emphasizing that true success is defined by how individuals handle their toughest moments, rather than the materialistic standards promoted online.
