Gareth Southgate has resigned as England’s manager following their defeat against Spain in the Euro 2024 final, as confirmed by the English Football Association (FA) on Tuesday.
Despite his contract expiring in December and the FA’s desire for him to continue through the 2026 World Cup, Southgate chose to step down after eight years at the helm. In a statement released by the FA, Southgate expressed his pride in serving as a player and manager for England, but acknowledged that it was time for a change.
“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,” Southgate stated.
The 53-year-old Southgate played 57 times for England and managed 102 games, making him the third most-capped England manager, behind Walter Winterbottom and Sir Alf Ramsey.
Since taking over in 2016, Southgate brought England to the 2018 World Cup semifinals, the Euro 2020 final, and the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals, ultimately reaching their first major final on foreign soil in Germany. He began his tenure with the FA as head of elite development in 2011 and is praised for transforming the England squad’s culture and rekindling their connection with fans.
“I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games,” Southgate said. “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.”
Southgate concluded his message with gratitude: “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.”
According to ESPN, potential successors include Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, and Mauricio Pochettino. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham confirmed that the search for Southgate’s replacement has begun and praised the accomplishments of Southgate and his assistant Steve Holland.
“Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success. He is held in the highest regard by the players, the backroom team, by everyone at The FA, and across the world of football,” Bullingham said. “We are very proud of everything Gareth and Steve achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them.”
Bullingham added that the process for appointing a successor has started, with an aim to have a new manager in place promptly. “Our UEFA Nations League campaign starts in September, and we have an interim solution in place if needed. We know there will be inevitable speculation, but we won’t be commenting further on our process until we appoint.”
England captain Harry Kane also expressed his appreciation for Southgate on social media. “Boss. Thank you for everything you have done for me and our country! You have been one of England’s greatest ever managers and it has been a pleasure to have served as your captain throughout,” Kane wrote. “You helped our nation connect and believe in our team again. There have been so many highlights and we’ve made memories together that will last forever! Good luck with your next chapter and I’m sure we’ll see each other around. Thanks Boss!”