'That pain still haunts me today'- Gareth Southgate discusses his darkest career moment

Gareth Southgate discusses his darkest career moment Image source: Imago

'That pain still haunts me today'- Gareth Southgate discusses his darkest career moment

Abigael Wafula 08:50 - 19.03.2025

Gareth Southgate has reflected on past failures that inspired his personal growth as he detailed the challenges facing young men today.

Sir Gareth Southgate has recalled one of the most troubling moments of his career as a football player.

The former England men’s football team manager went down memory lane to the day he missed a crucial penalty at the 1996 Euros semi-final when England lost to Germany.

In an interview with BBC Sport, Gareth Southgate admitted that he has never gotten over that moment but noted that it made him a better person.

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Gareth Southgate explained that it was those moments that made him he person he is today, adding that he did not let that failure define his life’s trajectory.

"Missing that penalty was undoubtedly a watershed moment that made me stronger, a better man,” Gareth Southgate admitted.

“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."

He further pointed out that the UK needed to tap into young people more, especially the men who seem to have no credible role models and are already making wrong choices in their lives.

Gareth Southgate also reflected on Eric Dier's successful penalty kick against Colombia in 2018, when he was England’s manager. That was the first time England won a World Cup penalty shootout.

Southgate lauded the efforts of England players, revealing that they have become better people on and off the pitch.

"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 added.

Meanwhile, speaking up about the young men who have no sense of direction at all, Gareth Southgate called out influencers for contributing to the struggle.

He explained that they have set unrealistic goals for the young men who are now guided by the wrong definition of success, from what they see from influencers online.

"These are callous, manipulative and toxic influencers, whose sole drive is for their own gain," he said.

"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 urged the young lads to embrace opening up as he observed that most of them find it uncomfortable opening up to friends or family.

He explained that in this day and age, most of them find solace online, through watching and listening to things that are unhealthy.

"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 added.

He urged the parents and people close to them to avoid making life easy for them since there is a higher possibility of them struggling once they grow up. He concluded by revealing that how one handles their toughest moments is the true definition of success and not all the things spread around online.

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