Gareth Southgate has told talkSPORT it is ‘entirely possible’ there could be a black manager leading England in the future.
Over the last two weeks, civil rights campaigns have gained momentum across the globe following the death of George Floyd, who was tragically killed by a police officer in America.
A host of high-profile people in the world of sport have spoken out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and figures in football such as Raheem Sterling have insisted there is still so much work to defeat the ‘virus’ of racism.
And when asked if a black person could be appointed England boss in the near future, Southgate explained many barriers still need to be broken to give black coaches more opportunity to demonstrate their skill.
“I think it’s entirely possible,” he told the Sports Breakfast. “One of the things we have to affect is people’s beliefs in what’s possible.
“It concerns me when I heard Jermain Defoe asking if it was worth getting his coaching qualifications.
“That would be the worst thing that could happen as someone like Jermain has brilliant qualities and at whatever level he wanted to coach – whether he wanted to work with young players or as a manager – we have to allow those dreams to happen and make that journey possible.
“We are definitely making progress in terms of awareness in those issues in those barriers that have existed. The onus for every coach and manager is to consistently improve.”
Southgate, who was took control of the Three Lions in 2016, continued to suggest there are many ‘outstanding’ black coaches in English football – but insisted they need to be given the chance at the top level.
He added: “Ashley Cole is on a great path in that regard and similar to what Steven Gerrard is doing at Liverpool’s academy before he went to Rangers.
“I can see his enthusiasm and thirst to learn and make a difference.
“But we also should just talk about top ex-black players at the highest level because many of the best players haven’t played at the highest level and we have some outstanding England coaches in our system.”
You can listen to Gareth Southgate’s full interview on talkSPORT’s Breakfast Show with Laura Woods tomorrow from 6am
