Gareth Southgate wife: Heart-warming story behind England manager dating Alison Southgate
Gareth Southgate's wife, Alison, keeps a low-profile, and isn't generally interested in football. But there's a heart-warming tale behind how the England manager started dating his wife - and they used to meet in a car park to spend time with each other.
Euro 2020: Southgate admits to 'complicated' circumstances
Gareth Southgate will be leading England to the European Championships this summer, with the Three Lions one of the favourites to win the competition. He'll be supported by his wife of almost 23 years, Alison Southgate, who will likely be in attendance at Wembley for some of the England matches.
Gareth Southgate wife: Heart-warming story behind England manager dating Alison Southgate (Image: PA Images)
However, Alison had been living with a boyfriend at the time, and when Gareth finally plucked up the courage to ask her out, he was immediately shot down.
A week later, he stumbled across Alison and her boyfriend at a restaurant.
Gareth had heard on the grapevine that they were close to breaking up, and when the boyfriend wasn't looking, he snuck Alison his phone number.
She phoned him that very night, and the duo would have their first date the next day.
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Worried that Alison's ex-boyfriend would find out about Gareth, they decided to meet in secret at the local Tesco car park.
Two years later, and after Gareth sealed a transfer to Aston Villa, they got married in his hometown, Crawley.
Almost 23 years later, and they're still happily married.
The England boss has also revealed that his family life helps him to recover from the disappointments of football.
Gareth Southgate wife: The Southgates were married almost 23 years ago (Image: PA Images)