Dj Vnyash
England manager Gareth Southgate has resigned two days after England’s 2-1 defeat by Spain in the 2024 European Championship final in Berlin. This marks England’s second consecutive Euros final loss, following their penalty shootout defeat to Italy at Wembley three years ago.
Southgate, 53, has managed England for 102 games over eight years. His contract was set 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,” Southgate said. “But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter.”
Football Association (FA) chief executive Mark Bullingham announced that the search for Southgate’s successor has begun, with an interim solution ready if needed. England’s next match is against the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League on 7 September.
BBC sports editor Dan Roan mentioned that the FA is unlikely to limit their search to only English managers. Under-21 boss Lee Carsley might be a candidate for the interim role. Early favorites for the permanent position include Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter, and ex-Chelsea and Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino. There’s also speculation around former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel, who recently left Bayern Munich.
Southgate is the only manager besides Sir Alf Ramsey, the 1966 World Cup winner, to lead the England men’s team to a major tournament final. He managed England through four major tournaments, reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and quarter-finals in 2022. Under Southgate, England won nine knockout matches, including two on penalties, a significant improvement from the six knockout wins between 1966 and 2016.
Despite criticism for not maximizing the potential of England’s attacking talents, Southgate regained support with the team’s run to the Euro 2024 final. “The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of,” Southgate added. “We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me.”
The Prince of Wales, president of the FA, praised Southgate for his leadership and humility under pressure, while England players such as Declan Rice and Jordan Pickford expressed gratitude for his guidance and support.
Southgate, who replaced Sam Allardyce, won 61 of his 102 games as England manager, drawing 24 and losing 17. Having been involved with the England set-up since 2013 and managed the under-21s for three years, Southgate expressed hope for the future of English football and thanked his players and backroom staff, particularly assistant Steve Holland.
Bullingham commended Southgate for making “the impossible job possible” and for laying strong foundations for future success. “We look back at Gareth’s tenure with huge pride – his contribution to the English game, including a significant role in player development, and in culture transformation has been unique,” Bullingham said.
