Sir Gareth Southgate expressed his concern that “callous, manipulative and toxic influencers” take place in the area of traditional social numbers in society and contributes to mental health issues with young men.
Former England manager also questioned whether the “trophy of a trophy was the only marker of success” after disappearing in the next European championship championship championship, as he delivered the prestigious Richard Dimbleby lecture on Tuesday.
Southgate followed in the footsteps of an unknown group of academics, artists, entrepreneurs, and members of the royal family who delivered an annual lecture since this in his life. Southgate then talks about how he spent the past months visiting community centers, schools and “even a prison” as he tries to learn more about what he calls “unrelated social media”.
“There is a topic that has kept noticed me. And the parents continue to raise it,” Southgate said. “Young men are suffering. They feel isolated. They are interacting with their masculinity and their wider society.”
He believes that the collapse of communities and lack of mentors – or “father numbers” – causes more young men to be reluctant to talk or express their feelings.
“They spend more time online looking for direction and fall into unhealthy successors such as playing, gambling and pornography,” Southgate said.
“And this void is filled with a new kind of role model with no best interest in the heart. They are pointless, manipulative and toxic influences, that the single drive is for their own benefit. They willingly deceive young men in the belief that success is measured by money or dominance, never showing emotion, and the world – including women – is against them.
Southgate, who left his post in England after Spain’s defeat in the final Euro 2024, called on society to help create more leaders who could “set the right tone”. He referred to Harry Kane and Jordan Henderson – the late surprise that Thomas Tuchel remembered for his first squad in England last week – as players who helped with the new pride in the national team.
“These are paper models that I want to emulate others,” he said. “And over time, we have created a culture where players are encouraged to take in the owner where young players are accepted, not considered as outsiders and where mistakes are not mocked, but seen as part of a process. And so it is in society.
“We need leaders to set the right tone. To be the role of the role we want for our young men. We need to show young men that the character is more important than the status. That’s how you treat others are more important than how much money you make.”
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The Southgate also argued that winning silver equipment was just a measure of the sport. “If I learned something from my football life, success is more than the final mark. It’s not a straight line. And it’s not a moment,” he said.
“Not everyone will win the trophy. Not everyone is at the top of their field. But everyone can live a life where they can continue to try to improve. Where they can look back and say: ‘I gave my best, I stayed honest with myself, and made a difference.’ That’s a real success. “
Richard Dimbleby Lecture with Sir Gareth Southgate is now available at BBC Iplayer and in BBC one of 10.40pm on Wednesday
