Followers of the beautiful game might have noticed more of Gareth Southgate recently than they would have expected, due to an internet craze gaining momentum on various platforms.
The England national team coach is now featured in numerous ‘faceswaps,’ in which the manager’s visage is digitally placed onto a famous individual or celebrity, resulting in often amusing scenarios.
Over the past week, these images have spread widely across the web, beginning as lighthearted jibes from England supporters at their head coach.
England boss Gareth Southgate ‘aware of’ faceswap trend
As this trend started gaining momentum, the fans of various clubs have joined in the fun, making altered images of their own featuring the England boss.
Leading up to England’s game against Italy this evening, Southgate was asked by a journalist at the club’s press event whether he had heard about the faceswap trend.
“I am [aware], yes,” Southgate said, smiling. “My 15-year-old son finds them very funny,” he added.
While some images feature Southgate’s face on famous historical figures, others are lighter in tone, placing the manager in key historical moments, or replacing the faces of key people in football.
“One must deal with what is thrown your way. There will be critique and even mockery, but that’s the environment we are in. It is what it is.”
Southgate avoided naming a ‘best’ faceswap he has seen, saying he had more important issues to think about ahead of tonight’s game.
Thought I’d ask Graham Potter about the face swaps at the end of my questions for @BBCSport 😂 he was a very very good sport! pic.twitter.com/owqJW1KpVvSeptember 26, 2025
“I have not given it a great deal of thought,” he said. “I think you could understand that I have some more important issues to consider. But, like I said, it is what it is, so one has to just deal with those things.”
England are currently outside the qualification places in their group after five games, increasing pressure on Southgate.
Defeat to Italy this evening could see the manager come under more pressure, with media reports suggesting the FA may be considering other options.
