Gareth Southgate Steps Down as England Manager After Euro 2024 Heartbreak
The English Football Association (FA) confirmed on Tuesday that Gareth Southgate has resigned as England manager, following the team’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Southgate’s eight-year tenure saw him take charge of 102 matches, making him the longest-serving England manager since Sir Bobby Robson.
He also made history by leading the Three Lions to two major international finals.
Southgate’s contract was set to expire in December, but he has chosen not to extend his stay.
The FA now faces a race against time to appoint a new manager, with just seven weeks until England’s Nations League match against the Republic of Ireland on September 7.
The search begins for a successor to build on Southgate’s legacy and lead England into a new era of international football.
In a statement released by the FA, Southgate said:
“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.”
“I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games.”
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“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.
“The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of.
I am so proud of them, and 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.”
Southgate signed off his message by declaring:
“We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I’m an England fan and I always will be.
“I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can.
Thank you, England — for everything.”
