The coach resigned as England boss following the defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final and has ruled out the prospect of a return to the touchline in the near future amid speculation linking him to the Manchester United job.

Speaking at the European Club Association general assembly in Athens, Southgate said: "I won't coach in the next year for sure, I'm certain of that. I need to give myself time to make good decisions.

"When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.

"I'm enjoying my life, so there's no rush."

Southgate led England to two major finals during his eight-year tenure and is intrigued by the opportunities that are on offer to him outside of coaching.

He said: "I'm fortunate that there are lots of different opportunities that are presenting themselves. The business side of football is really interesting.

"I've been invited to speak at Harvard and there's lots of exciting life experiences to have.

"I'm 54 and want to enjoy and be really motivated for the next 10 to 15 years of my life and the most important thing is to give myself time to make good decisions."

Southgate insists that he will not take charge of another international team and will take his time before choosing another club job after a disappointing stint at Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009.

He said: "Clubs can only be successful if everything is aligned, right the way through the club.

"I also know that maybe the smarter people sit in the boardrooms and the coaches are a little bit more dispensable than you think when you are there.

"As a coach you think you're the most important person. I sat in every boardroom in our country for eight years and realised you're only a small piece in this whole thing."