Sir Gareth Southgate has taken on an unexpected new role ahead of the World Cup, with the former England manager set to front a major BBC documentary examining the challenges facing young men in modern Britain.
The ex-Three Lions boss may no longer be involved in England's preparations for the tournament following his departure after Euro 2024, but he remains firmly in the public eye.
Southgate will present an hour-long programme titled Gareth Southgate: Changing the Game for Young Men, which is scheduled to air on BBC One on Monday evening.
The documentary marks a significant departure from football and sees the 55-year-old explore issues affecting young men across the country.
Throughout the programme, Southgate speaks to individuals dealing with challenges relating to education, employment and mental health, while also examining wider social issues impacting younger generations.
The former England manager travelled extensively while filming, meeting young people from a variety of backgrounds and listening to their experiences.
His journey also took him inside a prison, where he spoke with young offenders about the circumstances that contributed to their current situations.
Sir Gareth Southgate has taken on an unexpected new role ahead of the World Cup, with the former England manager set to front a major BBC documentary examining the challenges facing young men in modern Britain
|PA
Gareth Southgate pictured with King Charles earlier this year
|PA
The documentary explores topics including educational attainment, opportunities in the workplace and the influence of online communities and social media personalities on young men.
Southgate said the project forms part of a wider mission he has developed since leaving football management.
"This is the next step in my purpose to get young men and boys moving in the right direction rather than falling behind," he explained.
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England's record at the World Cup | GETTY/ GB NEWS"I wanted them to speak openly and without judgement about what's really going on in their lives."
Southgate said the conversations gave him a deeper understanding of the difficulties many young people face.
"Through these conversations, I've gained a better understanding of the challenges they face," he added.
"It's been a fascinating experience, and I am so grateful to everyone I met who were brave enough to share their stories."
The former England boss also expressed hope that the documentary could contribute to a broader national discussion.
"I hope this documentary will go some way towards changing the national conversation and encourage us all to support them in realising their potential," he said.
Thomas Tuchel will lead England at the World Cup following Gareth Southgate's departure two years ago
| GETTYSouthgate has increasingly used his platform to discuss issues beyond football since leaving his role with England.
Earlier this year he attended King Charles' Youth Opportunity Summit at Buckingham Palace, where discussions focused on improving prospects for younger generations.
His latest project continues that work, with a particular emphasis on the experiences of young men.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4, Southgate suggested there are important differences in how boys and girls experience education and development.
"I think anybody that's worked with either sex at a younger age knows there are some fundamental differences," he said.
He also argued that preparing young people for adulthood may require different approaches depending on individual needs.