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Dear England

Lessons in Leadership

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Dear England

By: Gareth Southgate
Narrated by: Gareth Southgate
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

A major and inspiring new book on leadership by former England men's football manager Gareth Southgate

‘Many of us find ourselves called upon to be leaders at some point in our lives. Whatever meaning leadership has for you, I hope the stories I tell in these pages may resonate with your own experiences, and may even offer you some guidance.'

As England manager, in one of the highest profile roles in the country, Gareth Southgate forged a unique management style, combining calm empathy with mental resilience, and courageous integrity with strong accountability. His leadership at England propelled the men’s national team to its most sustained success in fifty years, reaching the 2018 Fifa World Cup semi-final, the 2022 quarter-final, and the Uefa Euro 2020 and 2024 finals. In the process, Southgate revitalised and reshaped the national team’s footballing identity.
In Dear England: Lessons in Leadership, Southgate reveals the defining moments that forged his leadership style, the principles that informed his biggest decisions, and the inner steel he developed that enabled him to perform under the most intense public scrutiny. Learn how to:

  • Build resilience and define values
  • Transform culture
  • Shape a winning strategy
  • Turn pressure into performance
  • Lead through adversity


Southgate reflects on his early days as a Premier League captain, his lowest moment missing a penalty during Euro 96, through to his experiences guiding England through four major tournaments, and becoming a cultural figure whose open letter during the Covid-19 pandemic inspired a hit West End play. Southgate’s story is one of overcoming setbacks, building quiet resolve and enacting long-lasting change.

Written with warmth, honesty and wisdom, Southgate’s inspiring book transcends football to offer modern-day leadership lessons for any individual, team or organisation

‘Compelling, entertaining . . . Southgate articulated a moral vision that was beyond anything attempted by a generation of British politicians.' Guardian


‘A tremendous book’ Chris Evans

'What is remarkable is the insight it offers into Southgate’s psychology and motivation: what sustained him through the darkest times and enabled him to become an exemplary leader’ Times


© Gareth Southgate 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

Leadership Management Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success Sports England Inspiring
All stars
Most relevant
a powerful message written by the ex-England footballer/manager. some say football is not comparable to "real" life businesses, but this book shows that it can be. Some areas of our life we work alone and are still part of a team. Fantastic listen, thanks Gareth!

Dear England...Powerful

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This audiobook is exceptionally well-crafted.
Gareth openly shares his journey, including the highs, the lows and the lessons, all conveyed with humility, integrity and kindness. It feels like the book guides me through his experiences, while also addressing vital topics such as race, equality, accountability, leadership and life inside football. There are numerous practical and emotional insights, especially in the chapter summaries. It is an exceptional listen for anyone interested in leadership, culture or the human side of football.

Loved it!

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A good insight into the methodical mind of Gareth Southgate. There are many lessons we can all learn from.

insightful and reflective autobiography.

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I've always liked Gareth Southgate and respected his work with England, but this book has really elevated my opinion of him. Really interesting and insightful book and worth a read for anyone interested in management, leadership and good values.

Unexpectedly Brilliant

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Excellent insight into the reign of Gareth as England’s manager and into the man himself

An honest humble view

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