Those aged between 30 and 44 years of age rate Gareth Southgate and his ability as England manager higher than any age group — that’s according to a recent survey carried out by bookmaker Paddy Power ahead of Euro 2020.
The study discovered that 63% of England fans in that age bracket consider Southgate to be a good manager, whilst 58% of 18-29-year-olds back the 50-year-old’s ability, closely followed by 57% of those aged between 45 and 60.
Given Southgate’s healthy win percentage of over 60% and England’s admirable performances at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, it’s hardly a surprise that the waistcoat-wearing manager has the backing of supporters.
England may be amongst the favourites in the Euro 2021 odds. However, when it comes to the 50-year-old guiding the Three Lions to glory, his 30-44-year-old backers seem a little more reversed — with just 46% believing he is the man to bring football home.
The 45-60-year-olds have even less faith in Southgate with a mere 40% putting their trust in the former England international’s hands. In comparison, that’s a far cry from the whopping 69% of 18-29-year-olds who are backing Southgate to help England win their first major title since the 1966 World Cup.
We’re sure Southgate will also be pleased to know that he ranks first with all three age groups in terms of their favourite England manager over the last 20 years.
Unsurprisingly, the 30-44-year-olds are his biggest fans with 44% picking him over the likes of Fabio Capello and Sven-Göran Eriksson, whilst 40% of those aged between 45-60 backed the current England boss.
However, the younger generation seem a bit more torn with just 33% of 18-29-year-olds ranking Southgate as their favourite gaffer of the last two decades.