Sir Gareth Southgate has revealed that Prince William occasionally offered his opinions on England squad selection during the former manager’s tenure, with the heir to the throne showing a particular fondness for Aston Villa players.
The 55-year-old disclosed that the future king, who is an Aston Villa supporter, was a regular presence in the Three Lions’ dressing room, where he would deliver motivational addresses and offer comfort to players.
“The PM (Prime Minister) never told me who to pick. Prince William did a couple of times – he’d go for every Aston Villa player,” Sir Gareth said.
Villa representatives selected by Southgate during his time in charge included forward Ollie Watkins alongside defenders Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa.
Sir Gareth Southgate has revealed that Prince William occasionally offered his opinions on England squad selection during the former manager’s tenure, with the heir to the throne showing a particular fondness for Aston Villa players.
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Sir Gareth admitted he is grateful to no longer be in the hot seat with the World Cup approaching, declining to offer any assessment of Thomas Tuchel’s squad selections.
“I definitely thank God I am out of it,” he stated. “You can see all the issues because you have lived them; you know when there is a bandwagon for certain players.”
The former England boss acknowledged that those outside the setup lack crucial information available to the current manager.
“But the person picking the team has more information than we do. I don’t know how fit they are, how they are training, how they work with the rest of the group,” he explained, noting the challenge of managing relationships with club bosses.
Prince William talking to Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins
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Sir Gareth, who stepped down from the role in 2024, believes the national team served as an anchor of consistency amid significant political turbulence, with the country cycling through four prime ministers during his tenure.
“I think the England team were a constant when there was a lot of upheaval,” he reflected. “Families watch England; it brings communities together. I realised that people crave leadership when life is precarious.”
In July 2024, Prince William released a statement after Sir Gareth Southgate stepped down as England manager.
In July 2024, Prince William released a statement after Sir Gareth Southgate stepped down as England manager.
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The royal wrote: “Gareth, I want to thank you – not as the President of the @FA, but as an @England fan.
“Thank you for creating a team that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest in 2024.
“Thank you for showing humility, compassion, and true leadership under the most intense pressure and scrutiny.
“And thank you for being an all-round class act. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved. W.”
