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Sir Gareth Southgate recently addressed the audience in this year’s Dimbleby Lecture, emphasizing his concerns regarding the societal challenges faced by young men, particularly their engagement with gaming, gambling, and pornography. He advocated for the need to offer healthier role models beyond the prevalent online influencers.
During the annual Richard Dimbleby Lecture, which is organized by the BBC, Southgate shared his personal experience with the emotional aftermath of missing a pivotal penalty at Euro 96, highlighting how such moments can either deter or redefine an individual. “That pain still haunts me today, and I guess it always will,” he acknowledged.
The former England men’s football manager stressed the necessity of guiding the youth towards making positive life choices and embracing failure as part of growth. He lamented that many young men seem to seek guidance from online sources that often lead them astray. “These are callous, manipulative and toxic influencers, whose sole drive is for their own gain,” he stated, underscoring the dangers they pose.
He elaborated on the misleading narratives these influencers propagate, suggesting they teach young men that success is equated with financial gain or dominance, that emotional vulnerability is a sign of weakness, and that the world, including women, is adversarial.
Southgate recounted the infamous penalty miss in the 1996 Euro semi-final against Germany as a transformative experience. “Missing that penalty was undoubtedly a watershed moment that made me stronger, a better man,” he remarked, revealing that the incident compelled him to tap into an inner strength he had not previously recognized.
Reflecting on progress over the years, he contrasted his experience with that of Eric Dier, who successfully scored a penalty kick in the 2018 World Cup. This victory marked England’s first win in a World Cup penalty shootout in 28 years. According to Southgate, there has been a notable shift in the mindset of England’s players: “In 1996, I had walked 30 yards to the penalty spot believing I would miss. In 2018, Eric had walked 30 yards to the penalty spot believing he would score.”
Having had a diverse playing career with clubs like Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Middlesbrough, Southgate represented England from 1995 to 2004. After becoming manager in 2016, he guided the team to significant successes, including appearances in the semi-finals of the World Cup and European Championship.
He stepped down as manager in July following England’s defeat to Spain in the Euros. His tenure has been characterized by a rejuvenation of the national team, culminating in his recognition with a knighthood in the King’s New Year Honours.
Sir Gareth Southgate’s lecture is part of a long-standing tradition of the Richard Dimbleby Lecture series, which has featured an array of prominent figures since its inception in 1972, including King Charles III and Bill Gates.
‘Too many young men are isolated’
In his address, Southgate delved into the urgent need for belief and resilience among young men and outlined three essential components for fostering these qualities: identity, connection, and culture. He referenced a recent report from the Centre for Social Justice, highlighting a concerning trend of young men being “in crisis,” marked by a significant rise in those disengaged from education, employment, or training.
“Too many young men are isolated,” he remarked, noting the discomfort many feel in expressing emotions to friends or family. Without mentors to support them—like teachers or coaches—these young men may confront their challenges in solitude. “Young men end up withdrawing, reluctant to talk or express their emotions,” he added.
Southgate pointed out that this isolation often leads to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as an increased tendency towards gaming, gambling, and pornography. He also emphasized the importance of providing young men with opportunities to fail, argueing that avoiding failure in youth can make adult challenges even more daunting. “If we make life too easy for young boys now, we will inevitably make life harder when they grow up to be young men,” he cautioned.
Reflecting on his own journey, Southgate concluded with a powerful message: “If I’ve learned anything from my life in football, it’s that success is much more than the final score. True success is how you respond in the hardest moments.”
The Richard Dimbleby Lecture featuring Sir Gareth Southgate will be broadcast at 10.40 pm on BBC One and is available on iPlayer now.
Source
www.bbc.com