England boss Gareth Southgate is set to don a more relaxed fit at Euro 2024, instead of his unusual smart attire which included wearing a waistcoat at the 2018 World Cup
Gareth Southgate is ready to swap formal attire for cardigans in order to create a more “relaxed environment” among the England squad ahead of Euro 2024 this summer.
Southgate has grown synonymous to a smart waistcoat or suit on the touchline since becoming the permanent Three Lions manager. During the 2018 World Cup, Southgate wore a waistcoat which inspired fans across the nation to copy him, with Marks & Spencer later reporting a 35 per cent surge in demand for the clothing.
Now, the 53-year-old is expected to change from the formal wear to a more casual look. In an interview with British GQ, Southgate said his outfit will be “more short-sleeved knits than suit and tie” as he tries to create a chilled mood for the England squad going into the tournament in Germany.
Speaking to GQ’s Match Fits column, chronicling football’s most fashionable figures, Southgate said: “Whenever you put something on, you’re making some sort of a statement, aren’t you? I am conscious of that now.”
He added: “This year, it will be more short-sleeved knits than a suit and tie, because we’re trying to create a relaxed environment. When you’re working with young lads, you don’t want to be too stiff – in what you’re doing or wearing.”
Southgate has been pictured donning a beige Loro Piana buttoned sweater in the interview for the magazine. He said he would be wearing similar knitted clothing with England during the tournament and appears to be looking into the current trend of tank tops and baggier garments.
As well as that, Southgate is planning on getting a fresh haircut for Euro 2024 next month. “I’ll have one more cut before we go, I think, because my hair gets a little bit curly, which I don’t like,” he said. “Plus my wife says I haven’t got the features to have it really short.”
England kickstart their European Championship campaign when they face Serbia on Sunday, June 16. This is before playing against Denmark and Slovakia to end the group phase. The Three Lions are among the favourites for the tournament, having reached the final before losing to Italy back in 2021.
Southgate is the man that will lead England out for his fourth successive major tournament. Explaining more about his style, he said: “My mindset is I want to master the profession I’ve chosen.
“As a 33-year-old player, coming towards the end with England, I was still learning new ideas even though I played at the very highest level. It’s the same as a coach – you are always learning your trade.”
He added: “Then there’s the [fact] the world is changing so quickly with technology. There are new jobs that weren’t in existence five years ago, so you have to keep pace with all of that change.”
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