Waistcoats, hashtags and Atomic Kitten - Southgate plays down positive persona

The unlikely combination of Atomic Kitten and Gareth Southgate is one being savoured by fans following England's Russia 2018 campaign at home and abroad.

Supporters of the Three Lions have dedicated a chant to their manager to the tune of 'Whole Again', a number one hit for the British girl group back in 2001.

England's progression to the World Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Sweden in Samara on Saturday, has prompted an outpouring of love towards Southgate on social media.

That has included praise for his trademark waistcoat and the '#GarethSouthgateWould' trend on Twitter, outlining all the altruistic acts England's manager would perform in keeping with his nice-guy persona.

In a media conference on Friday, it seemed Southgate did not quite know what to make of it all but experience has taught him not to get carried away on the wave of public acclaim.

"They [Atomic Kitten] wouldn't be my first-choice band, but it's nice to be recognised by the supporters so that's been a nice thing to have," he said.

"It's not as questionable as some of the lyrics of songs about me in the past so long may that continue!

"It's dangerous territory, I've been in football 30-odd years, you're never as good as people say when things are going well and never as poor as people say when things are going badly.

"I'm very balanced about that and I'm preparing the team as well as I can for an exciting challenge. We hope to continue to make the people at home proud."

Sitting alongside Southgate, England captain Harry Kane was asked for his thoughts on his manager.

"He's good, I want to play tomorrow!" joked the Tottenham striker.

"He's been fantastic since he came in. I knew him well from the Under-21s and we've always had a good relationship, it's been no different.

"The camp's been great, it's been easy going but we've worked hard at the same time. Obviously he's had experience in these tournaments and knows what it's like so that's been massive.

"The time around the hotel and with families has been really good, hopefully we have this relationship for a long time in the future and keep getting better and better."

Latest in
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed