Gareth Southgate resigned from his role as England manager on Tuesday following another heartbreaking final loss at the European Championship, marking their second consecutive failure in the tournament's title decider.
Gareth Southgate Resigns as England Manager After Heartbreaking Euro 2024 Final Loss
England lost 1-2 to Spain in Sunday’s final in Berlin. The 53-year-old Englishman announced after the match that he would discuss his future with 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,” Southgate said in a statement.
“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.
“I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the Three Lions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways.”
Britain’s Prince William, who is also the president of the FA, thanked Southgate for his service. “Thank you for creating a team that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest in 2024,” he said.
“Thank you for showing humility, compassion, and true leadership under the most intense pressure and scrutiny. And thank you for being an all-round class act.
“You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved.”
Although they reached the Euro 2024 final, the road to Berlin was not easy as England struggled to find the net and topped their group after scoring just two goals.
Furious supporters hurled beer cups and insults at Southgate, questioning his team selection.
Despite beating Switzerland on penalties and securing a last-gasp victory over the Netherlands, overcoming Spain proved too challenging. Southgate was gracious in defeat, acknowledging that the Iberian side were deserved champions.
However, Southgate’s record of leading his teams deep into tournaments is unrivalled among England’s other managers.
FA CEO Mark Bullingham expressed gratitude to Southgate and his assistant Steve Holland for their achievements.
“In the 25 tournaments post-1966 before Gareth took charge, we had won seven knockout games,” Bullingham said.
“In his four tournaments, we have won nine. So, in his eight years, he has won more games that really matter than in the previous 50 years.
“Before Gareth, our longest time ranked in the top five in the world was seven months. Under his tenure, we have been ranked there for six years.”
Bullingham added that the search for a successor is underway, and the FA have an “interim solution” in place if they do not find a permanent replacement before their Nations League campaign kicks off in September.