London, England | By Michael Wandati | England manager Gareth Southgate has announced his resignation, coming just two days after the team’s loss to Spain in the 2024 European Championship final.
The Three Lions were defeated 2-1 in Berlin on Sunday, marking their second consecutive final loss in the European Championship. Three years prior, they were narrowly beaten by Italy on penalties at Wembley.
At 53, Southgate has led the England national team through 102 matches over his eight-year tenure. His contract was due to expire later this year.
“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England,” said Southgate.
“It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.
“But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter.”
Football Association (FA) chief executive Mark Bullingham announced that the process to find Gareth Southgate’s successor has commenced, with the goal of confirming the new manager as soon as possible.
Bullingham added that the FA has an interim solution ready if needed and will not provide further comments until the appointment is made. England’s next fixture is a Nations League match against the Republic of Ireland on 7 September.
According to BBC sports editor Dan Roan, FA sources indicated that they are unlikely to limit their search to only English managers. Possible interim candidates include Under-21 boss Lee Carsley.
Early favorites for the permanent role are Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, former Brighton and Chelsea manager Graham Potter, and ex-Chelsea and Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino.
There is also speculation about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel, who left Bayern Munich at the end of last season.
Southgate, who is the only England manager besides 1966 World Cup winner Sir Alf Ramsey to lead the men’s team to a major tournament final, stepped down after an eight-year tenure during which he managed 102 matches.
His resignation follows England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the 2024 European Championship final in Berlin, their second consecutive Euros final loss after falling to Italy on penalties at Wembley three years ago.
During his time as manager, Southgate guided England to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup. Under his leadership, England won nine knockout matches in major tournaments, including two penalty shootout victories.
This was a significant improvement over the six knockout games won in the major tournaments between 1966 and Southgate’s appointment in 2016.
Despite mounting pressure this summer, with many fans feeling he wasn’t maximizing the potential of a talented squad, Southgate managed to regain support with the team’s run to the final.
However, discontent was evident when some supporters threw plastic cups at him following a 0-0 draw with Slovenia in the final group stage match at Euro 2024.
“The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of,” added Southgate.
“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.”
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The Prince of Wales, who is president of the FA, thanked Southgate for “creating a team that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest in 2024”.
“Thank you for showing humility, compassion, and true leadership under the most intense pressure and scrutiny,” he added.
“And thank you for being an all-round class act. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved.”
England and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice expressed his gratitude to Gareth Southgate following the manager’s resignation, stating, “Thank you, gaffer. It’s been a privilege to play for England under your guidance.”
“Memories that will stay with me forever. All the best in your next adventure.”
England and Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford thanked Southgate for “always believing” in him, adding: “I would like to wish him all the best in his next steps.”