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GARETH SOUTHGATE has landed a shock new job just weeks after stepping down as England manager.Southgate resigned following eight years as Three Lions boss following the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain in July.Gareth Southgate has returned to work after quitting as England bossCredit: GettySouthgate will be back in the stands at football matches as a Uefa technical observerCredit: GettyBut according to Henry Winter, Southgate is back in work already.It is reported that the former England gaffer will be employed by Uefa until the end of the season as a technical observer.The role – which David Moyes has also taken on – sees him attend matches and report back to European football’s governing body, analysing games from a coaching perspective.The observations – alongside the use of video and stats – are designed to help Uefa spot new trends in football to improve coaching education. READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSFabio Capello, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Avram Grant, Aitor Karanka and Frank de Boer all worked as Uefa technical observers at Euro 2024 as Southgate led his side to back-to-back finals. However, after the 2-1 defeat to Spain, he handed in his notice to the FA and walked away from the job.Southgate, 53, taking on the new role for the remainder of the 2024-25 season suggests he is not planning to return to management during that time. The ex-Middlesbrough boss was heavily linked with replacing Erik ten Hag at Manchester United this summer.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, Sir Jim Ratcliffe decided to stick with the Dutchman, who signed a new contract at Old Trafford. The FA are yet to appoint a permanent successor to Southgate, who has made the most of his time unemployed by snapping up five new homes worth £2.4million for his growing investment firm and soaking up the sun on holiday in Portugal with his family.Gareth Southgate at centre of channel bidding war for glossy documentary after quitting as England bossLee Carsley has stepped up from Under-21s gaffer to the senior team on an interim basis. He will take charge of his first games in the Nations League next month with an away trip to Ireland before hosting Finland at Wembley.But Carsley has already made a bold call – binning off lead performance analysts Mike Baker and Stephen O’Brien from the senior set-up.Ashley Cole, Joleon Lescott, analyst James Ryder and goalkeeper coach Tim Dittmer are all set to be promoted from their duties with the U21s to help Carsley with the seniors. The search for the next permanent manager continues, though.Southgate’s highs and lows as England bossGARETH Southgate took charge of 102 games for England before quitting in the aftermath of the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.But what were the best – and worst matches – from the popular gaffer’s eight-year reign before that devastating Sunday night in Berlin? Here we take a look.THE HIGHS:Colombia 1-1 England (3-4 on pens,) 2018 World CupThis was the night that long-suffering supporters finally started to believe that it was coming home.Despite conceding a late equaliser, England held their nerve to advance to the quarter final of the World Cup 2018 on penalties.It was our first shootout victory for 22 years.Spain 2-3 England, 2018 Nations LeagueFollowing on from the World Cup, England won in Spain for the first time in 31 years with a brilliant Uefa Nations League victory.Southgate’s boys stunned the Seville crowd into silence with a thrilling performance that saw them lead 3-0 at the break thanks to a Raheem Sterling brace and Marcus Rashford.Although the hosts scored two after the break, the way the Three Lions tore La Roja apart excited every fan.England 2-1 Denmark, Euro 2020 semi-finalSouthgate led England to their first major final in 55 years as they beat Denmark after extra-time in the Euro 2020 semi-final.Having fallen behind after half an hour, the Three Lions battled back to send it to extra-time courtesy of an own goal.Then it was captain Kane who converted a rebound after Kasper Schmeichel originally saved his penalty in extra-time to win it.England 3-0 Sengal, 2022 World Cup last 16England had already blown Iran and Wales, 6-2 and 3-0 respectively, away in the World Cup 2022 group stages before they breezed past Senegal.The free-scoring Three Lions recorded another big win to set-up a mouthwatering quarter-final against France – what could go wrong?Italy 1-2 England, Euro qualifiers, 2023On a night when Harry Kane became England’s all-time top scorer, the Three Lions recorded a first away win over Italy since 1961.It was the first game since their 2022 World Cup exit, and it ensured a perfect start to their Euro 2022 qualifying campaign.England 2-1 Holland, Euro 2024 sem-finalThe nation doubted Southgate’s men in the semis of Euro 2024, but they responded with a barnstorming display.Xavi Simons opened the scoring for the Dutch but Harry Kane’s penalty drew us level.And Ollie Watkins slotted in a brilliant winner in injury time to see the Three Lions into their second successive Euros final.AND THE LOWS….Croatia 2-1 England, World Cup semi-final, 2018Having led England to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990, Southgate men made a dream start as Kieran Trippier put them ahead in the early exchanges.But Ivan Perisic equalised as the Croats began to take control.Some of Southgate’s substitutions were then questioned after his team were beaten in extra-time, although many gave him the benefit of the doubt as he returned a hero.Italy 1-1 England (3-2 pens) Euro 2020 finalWill probably never get a better chance to have secured a trophy for the Three Lions than this final of the last European Championship.Luke Shaw gave us the lead after just seconds, but just like against Croatia three years earlier, we sat back and let our rivals back into it.Leonardo Bonucci duly equalised in the second half and the game eventually went to penalties.The unfortunate Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all brought on to take a spot-kick, but the brave trio all missed as the Azzurri broke our hearts to take the prize.England 0-4 Hungary, Nations League 2023A year on from the Euros and it was utter embarrassment for Southgate in this Nations League game at Molineux.It was our biggest home defeat since 1928 and the result led to England being relegated from the top group of the Nations League and back to one that contained the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Greece.England 1-2 France, World Cup 2022 quarter-finalsAnother case of what could have been.Having been free-scoring throughout Qatar 2022, many fancied us to go all the way at the World Cup despite taking on the holders in the quarters.We fought back from going behind to level through Kane and many believe that France were then there for the taking had Southgate deployed a more attacking approach.Instead, they seemed content with what they had until Olivier Giroud pounced 12 minutes from time to win it.But there was still one more twist of the knife for England as the usually-reliable Kane skied a late penalty over the bar uncharacteristically as we crashed out.Carsley may well be in the frame if he impresses during his temporary stint.Eddie Howe and Graham Potter both remain in contention while Harry Redknapp wants either Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard to get the gig.Teddy Sheringham, though, wants to see the FA “break the bank” and go all out to land Pep Guardiola at the end of the season, when his current Manchester City deal expires.Sheringham said: “If England want to take the last step and win a major trophy, if they want to go one step further from where Gareth – who was phenomenal – has taken us, then you have to look at Pep Guardiola.”Go out and have the ambition to get him, paying him whatever it takes to get involved.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The England job might suit Pep at his age.”It might be a perfect situation for him, and it offers him a completely new challenge: managing an international team.”Southgate suffered defeat in back-to-back Euros finalsCredit: EPASouthgate’s England legacy should be celebrated, not torn downBy Tom BarclayGareth Southgate claimed that only winning Sunday’s final would earn England the respect of the footballing world.Spain proved a last-gasp comeback too far in Berlin, but defeat did not change the fact that Southgate’s eight-year transformation put respect back into the world of England football.Critics will pick apart his cautious tactics, his selection choices and his record in the most high-pressurised games – with some legitimacy.Yet what is quickly forgotten is the laughing stock our national side had become before he took over in 2016.A shambolic Euros exit to Iceland that summer had been followed up by Sam Allardyce quitting just one game into his tenure thanks to his pint of wine with undercover reporters.Then came Southgate, with his decency, his humility, his understated eloquence and his vision for a better, different future.He had analysed why England had so often failed in the past, from lack of preparation at penalty shoot-outs to players being bored out of their minds during major tournaments.Southgate took those findings and implemented a culture where players wanted to play for their country again – and it led to back-to-back finals for the first time in our history.Instead of going to war with the media, he opened his doors to them and discovered, shock, horror, that it was met, generally, with support. It did not stop him from being criticised when required – we are no cheerleaders, here – but the vitriol of yesteryear – or today on social media – was largely gone.No manager is perfect and neither was Southgate. We cannot pretend his teams played like those of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp.But in the fullness of time, his feats will likely be revered because the results speak for themselves.Hopefully his successor can go one step further and bring football home. To do that, they must show respect to what Southgate has created and build on it, rather than rip it down.To read more from Tom Barclay click HERE. More

RODRI and Alvaro Morata are being investigated by Uefa following the trophy parade for Spain’s Euro 2024 win.The Spanish stars were part of the team’s celebrations after they beat England in the final of the tournament in Berlin.Rodri is being investigated by UefaCredit: GettyAlvaro Morata is also being looked at by UefaCredit: GettyAlvaro Morata threw a cup at a fan during the bus paradeCredit: TikTokUefa have now confirmed that they are investigating the duo for their conduct during the trophy presentation in Madrid on Monday.A statement read: “A Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector is being appointed to evaluate a potential violation of the Uefa Disciplinary Regulations by the players Rodrigo Hernández Cascante and Álvaro Morata in the context of conduct that occurred during the public presentation of the Uefa Euro 2024 trophy in Madrid on 15 July 2024.”Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.”Rodri and Morata played key roles for Spain as they went all the way to lift the trophy at Euro 2024.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Man City star Rodri continued his excellent club form in the heart of midfield right up until his injury in the final against the Three Lions.Morata captained the team and scored one goal in seven appearances.Since their decisive victory over England, the team and fans have been wildly celebrating.During the jubilations, Rodri and allegedly Morata chanted “It’s Spanish, Gibraltar is Spanish” at a party in Madrid.Most read in FootballThe Gibraltar FA have made an official complaint to Uefa after the “unacceptable” chanting.In an official note, it said: “The Gibraltar FA has noted the extremely provocative and insulting nature of the celebrations around the Spanish Men’s national team winning Euro 2024.Alvaro Morata throws cup at fan during Spainb’s trophy parade after Euro 2024 winWhat is the row over Gibraltar?THE dispute between the UK and Spain over Gibraltar revolves around issues of sovereignty and territorial waters.Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, has been under British control since 1713 following the Treaty of Utrecht.But Spain has long contested British sovereignty over Gibraltar, claiming that it should be part of Spanish territory.Spain argues that Gibraltar is a colonial relic and should be returned to Spanish sovereignty.The UK, however, maintains its control over Gibraltar, emphasising the wishes of the Gibraltarian people, who have consistently expressed a desire to remain under British sovereignty in referendum.There are disputes over the extent of Gibraltar’s territorial waters. Spain does not recognise the waters around Gibraltar as British, leading to tensions and incidents between Spanish and British vessels.The land border between Gibraltar and Spain has also been a source of tension, with periodic disruptions and stricter controls imposed by Spain, affecting the flow of people and goods.The UK’s exit from the EU has added another layer of complexity to the issue, particularly concerning the free movement of people and goods across the border.Negotiations are ongoing to address the implications of Brexit for Gibraltar and its relationship with both Spain and the EU.”The Association is this morning taking advice on the filing of a complaint to European Football’s governing body, UEFA, in relation to the unacceptable chanting and songs, relating to Gibraltar, sung by Spain’s Men’s National Team players after winning Euro 2024.”Football has no place for behaviour of this nature.”Gibraltar is on the southern tip of Spain and is a British overseas territory and has been for over 300 years.Rodri, whose full name is Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, joined Manchester City in July 2019 from Atlético Madrid for a then club-record fee of approximately £60 million.Morata was also filmed during the bus parade throwing a cup at a fan holding up a sign.He appeared to be upset by the sign as he threw the cup before being checked on by Rodri.The former Chelsea star has had a busy week as he has completed a move from Atletico Madrid to AC Milan. More

UEFA’S official Team of the Tournament for Euro 2024 has been revealed.The 11-man side is jammed full of stars, but has raised some eyebrows about a few inclusions and omissions. Spain’s Euro 2024 success earned them six spots in Uefa’s Team of the TournamentCredit: GettyJamal Musiala was the only German player to make the XICredit: ReutersArsenal star William Saliba represents France in the sideCredit: GettyAfter Spain’s record-breaking victory over England in Berlin, Uefa’s Technical Observer panel put their heads together to choose the best players at the tournament in Germany.The panel, which includes big names such as Fabio Capello and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, certainly honoured the four-time champions by naming SIX Spain stars in the squad.An entirely Spanish midfield trio of Rodri, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo made up the heart of the team.While their young wingers Lamine Yamal, 17, and Nico Williams, 22, were also part of the squad after racking up eight goal contributions between them.READ MORE ON EURO 2024And the final member of Luis de la Fuente’s side to make the cut was surprise stand out star Marc Cucurella. Germany’s Jamal Musiala was the only player from the host nation to be named in the squad after he scored three goals in five appearances at the tournament.France had two players make the grade with Arsenal’s William Saliba and AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan honoured with a role in the team.While Manchester City duo Manuel Akanji and Kyle Walker were given the nod for Switzerland and England respectively.Most read in Euro 2024Kyle Walker was a surprise inclusion in the Team of the TournamentCredit: GettyMany fans thought Spain’s Dani Carvajal should have been given the right-back spotCredit: ReutersMarc Cucurella was named in the XI after a super tournament for the championsCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFans were certainly surprised to see that Walker had been named in squad, with many suggesting Spain’s Dani Carvajal should have been chosen ahead of the 34-year-old at right-back.On social media, one wrote: “No Dani Carvajal? Even rival fans agreed that he was class.”Gareth Southgate quits as England manager after Euro 2024 exitUefa’s Techincal ObserversHere’s a look at the big names who were tasked with deciding Uefa’s Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament…Fabio CapelloIoan Lupescu Michael O’NeillDavid MoyesAljosa AsanovicRafael BenitezAvram GrantPackie BonnerFrank de BoerOle Gunnar SolskjaerAitor KarankaJean-Francois DomergueWhile another added: “Walker instead of Carvajal. Yeah you guys are a joke.”Some more supporters called for other snubbed stars to be given their flowers including the Netherlands’ Cody Gakpo and England’s Jude Bellingham.One posted: “Where is Gakpo????”And another slammed: “No Cody is wild!”A third asked: “Where’s Dani Carvajal and Jude Bellingham?”A fourth joked: “Your technical observer panel deserves to be sacked.”The team has certainly split opinion with only seven of the stars in the Uefa team making the chosen XI for SunSport’s Team of the Tournament.READ MORE SUN STORIESUefa also announced the the individual awards for the tournament after Spain’s 2-1 win over England.Rodri was named as the Player of the Tournament, while Lamine Yamal took home the prize for Young Player of the Tournament.Rodri was named as the Player of the TournamentCredit: GettyLamine Yamal’s extraordinary tournament earned him the award of Young Player of the TournamentCredit: Rex More