Gareth Southgate has revealed he quit his role as England manager because he had become 'divisive' and was 'polarising the fan base', with the 55-year-old opening up on his tenure in a new interview.
The former Three Lions star was appointed in 2016 after Sam Allardyce was sacked, having become embroiled in a scandal.
Southgate proceeded to work wonders with England, guiding the nation to two European Championship finals - as well as the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2018.
However, after missing out on Euro 2024 glory last summer, he opted to walk away from the position.
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Southgate has kept a low profile since departing, with the ex-Premier League star keeping details about his reign to himself.
Now, however, he's told The Sports Agents podcast that he quit being England boss because of the fans and how he felt they turned against him.
“I felt my presence has become divisive… You couldn't deny that I was polarising the fan base.” he said.
“From a personal perspective, there was less joy in the wins, you know? And then you've got to think well, actually, ‘Why am I doing this?’”
Gareth Southgate has revealed he quit his role as England manager because he had become 'divisive' and was 'polarising the fan base', with the 55-year-old opening up on his tenure in a new interview
|PA
England's top five highest goalscorers | PAIn the chat with Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman, Southgate was also asked about Ben White.
The Arsenal star sensationally flew home from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with reports at the time suggesting he'd walked out due to a row with England coach Steve Holland.
White's last appearance for his country came in March of that same year and he's continued to be unavailable for selection in the years since.
Southgate, however, refused to give too much away on the former Brighton star and why he doesn't grace the international stage.
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Gareth Southgate refused to be drawn on Ben White amid the defender's ongoing absence from the England national team
|PA
“I think that’s very sensitive. Because I think Ben would have to talk through that," he continued.
"I don’t think that’s for me to talk about. It certainly wasn’t anything that I felt personally let down [by].
"I felt I needed to support him at that moment, really. So, you do have… You know, players have lives outside of football, and, you know, lots going on.”
He added: “It’s a personal thing.
"As I say, I think it’s never an area I feel I should discuss. Because it’s for Ben to decide if he wants to discuss it.
“My job was to support him then in leaving the camp. And you know, not for one minute did I take that personally.”
Meanwhile, another player Southgate managed was Jude Bellingham.
The Real Madrid star has returned to form recently, with a winner against Barcelona in El Clasico particularly memorable.
Gareth Southgate believes Jude Bellingham can be a huge asset for England going forward
| GETTYIn recent times, however, Bellingham has found himself snubbed from Thomas Tuchel's squad.
Southgate, however, thinks the 22-year-old will be at next summer's World Cup.
“That's totally Thomas' decision. I don't know where he sees him, compared to who's in that area – Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Phil Foden,” he continued.
“What he has got is the mindset to be able to perform on the biggest stage for Real Madrid as he did with England.
"And there's something in that. He's got that mentality that a really top player has to have.”
England are next in action against Serbia on November 13, with the Three Lions poised to do battle with Albania three days later.