In a compelling address during the BBC's annual Richard Dimbleby Lecture, Sir Gareth Southgate, former England men's football manager, voiced his concerns regarding the digital consumption habits of young men and the urgent need for better role models beyond the sphere of online influencers.

The Impact of Digital Distractions

Southgate expressed alarm over the excessive time young men spend on gaming, gambling, and watching pornography. He criticized certain online influencers for promoting toxic masculinity and misleading values. "These influencers often manipulate young minds into believing that success is measured by wealth or dominance, and that showing emotion is a sign of weakness," he stated.

The Role of Sports and Mentorship

Reflecting on his own career, Southgate highlighted the transformative power of sports and mentorship. He recounted his infamous penalty miss during the Euro 96 semi-final against Germany as a pivotal moment of personal growth. "That moment of failure taught me resilience and the importance of inner belief," he said.

He also contrasted his experience with that of Eric Dier’s successful penalty in the 2018 World Cup, emphasizing the evolution of the England team's mindset under his management. "In 1996, I walked to the penalty spot certain I would miss. In 2018, Eric walked with the confidence to score," Southgate remarked.

Current Challenges Facing Young Men

Southgate cited a recent report by the Centre for Social Justice, which described boys and young men as being 'in crisis.' He pointed out the alarming increase in young men who are not engaged in education, employment, or training. "Too many young men feel isolated and are reluctant to express their emotions or seek help," he said.

He stressed the importance of creating opportunities for young men to experience and learn from failure. "If we shield them from failure now, we make life harder for them as adults. They need to learn resilience through experience," he explained.

A Call to Action

Concluding his lecture, Southgate urged society to provide better guidance and support for young men. "We need to foster environments where young men can develop a strong sense of identity, connect with others, and build a positive culture around them," he said.

Southgate’s insights not only shed light on the challenges faced by today’s youth but also offered practical solutions rooted in sports and community engagement. His message is clear: the path to true success lies in resilience, mentorship, and positive role models.