Gareth Southgate said he resigned as England’s manager on Tuesday two days after losing to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Southgate took over in 2016 when England’s fortunes were low. He led England to three semi-finals and two finals in the last four tournaments.
Southgate, 53, took over as England manager in 2016, when the team’s fortunes were low. During his eight-year tenure, he led England to three semi-finals and two finals, including the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the quarter-finals in 2022. He is only the second manager, after 1966 World Cup winner Sir Alf Ramsey, to lead the England men’s team to a major tournament final.
In a statement, Southgate expressed his pride and gratitude for the opportunity to lead the national team. “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all. But it’s time for change and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager,” he said.
The Football Association (FA) has confirmed that the process to appoint Southgate’s successor has begun. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham stated, “We aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible. We have an interim solution in place if it is needed, and we will not comment further on the process until a new boss is appointed.”Southgate’s tenure as England manager is notable for its successes and near-misses. Despite facing mounting pressure this summer, he managed to win back many fans with England’s impressive run to the final. He faced criticism from some supporters after a 0-0 draw with Slovenia during the group stage at Euro 2024 when some fans threw plastic cups at him.
Southgate leaves a lasting legacy, having transformed the England men’s team and delivered unforgettable moments for fans. He won 61 of his 102 matches, drawing 24 and losing 17. His journey with the England setup began in 2013, managing the under-21s for three years before taking the top job.
In his farewell, Southgate thanked his players, backroom staff, and particularly assistant Steve Holland, whom he called “one of the most talented coaches of his generation.” He reflected on his time at the FA, saying, “I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. I hope we get behind the players and the team at St George’s Park and the FA who strive every day to improve English football and understand the power football has to drive positive change.”FA chief executive Bullingham praised Southgate’s contributions, stating, “Gareth made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success. We are very proud of everything Gareth and Steve achieved for England and will be forever grateful to them.
Over the last eight years they have transformed the England men’s team, delivering unforgettable memories for everyone who loves the Three Lions.”England’s next match is against the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League on September 7. The FA is expected to announce a new manager soon, with candidates including Newcastle’s Eddie Howe, former Chelsea managers Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel, and ex-Chelsea and Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino.