For the past eight years, Gareth Southgate has solidified his place in the annals of England’s rich football history as their manager. As he heads into UEFA Euro 2024, the 53-year-old will be leading the team for a second consecutive European Championship after guiding them to finals in Euro 2020. While his professional life often finds itself under public scrutiny, the Englishman has successfully kept his personal life relatively private.
Although not one to share much about his life away from the pitch, Gareth Southgate is undoubtedly a family man. He shares this journey with his wife Alison Bird, who plays an integral role in completing his life. Let us take a closer look at everything we know about her.
Who is Southgate’s wife Alison Bird?
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Gareth Southgate is married to Alison Bird, who is currently 57 years old and four years his senior. The couple first crossed paths in the early 1990s when the England boss was a young trainee at Crystal Palace. At the time, Bird was employed at a clothing boutique in South London, where their initial encounter took place.
After several years of dating, they wed in 1997 at St Nicholas’s Church in Worth. The two have enjoyed over two decades of marital bliss. Interestingly, despite Gareth’s prominent position in soccer, his wife, Alison, does not share the same enthusiasm for the sport.
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This fact was revealed by Clive Southgate, Gareth’s father, during an interview where he mentioned, “Actually, I don’t think Alison likes football very much.” Nevertheless, she remains a steadfast supporter of her husband and has been frequently seen cheering him on from the stands. Let’s now delve into the details about their children.
How many children does Gareth Southgate have?
Gareth Southgate and Alison Bird are the proud parents of two children. Their daughter, Mia, is 24 years old and has a keen interest in fashion, often sharing her style inspirations on Instagram with her followers. Their son Flynn, aged 20, chose not to pursue a career in soccer like his father. Instead, he completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Politics and gained valuable experience through an internship at a law firm.
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Despite his demanding professional commitments, Gareth Southgate emphasizes balancing career and family life. He frequently mentions how crucial it is to dedicate time to both his wife and children. This commitment underscores their harmonious family dynamic—one that could easily be likened to an ideal depicted on television.
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