Gareth Southgate quits England after Euros loss and FA talks as exit confirmed
Gareth Southgate’s England exit has been confirmed after losing in the Euro 2024 final.
Southgate, 53, watched the Three Lions tamed by Spain on Sunday evening – his second Euros final loss. And it has now been confirmed he will be stepping down from his post at the helm of the national team.
He said in a statement: “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.
READ MORE: Gareth Southgate could be knighted to make UK sport great again – despite final failure
READ MORE: Graham Potter favourite to replace Gareth Southgate as FA desperate for homegrown manager
Learn more
“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 joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football.
“In that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks. I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.
What do you think of Gareth Southgate stepping down as England manager? Let us know in the comments section
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“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.
“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.
“My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.
(Image: Getty Images)
“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.”
Southgate took the England job in 2016 – after Sam Allardyce left the role after just one game. He took an unfancied England side to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, where the Three Lions were eventually dumped out by Croatia.
(Image: Getty Images)
However, more was to come under Southgate – there was a Nations League third place in 2019, before perhaps his greatest achievement, taking England to the final of Euro 2020.
In a world emerging from covid-19, Southgate and his side, to the tune of Sweet Caroline, thrilled the nation with their run to the final on home soil. Luke Shaw would net an early goal, but the Three Lions couldn’t quite usher football home after a heartbreaking defeat on penalties.
Penalties have been the constant theme of Southgate’s relationship with England. There was his miss at Euro 96, which was redeemed when he lead England to their first shoot-out win against Colombia in 2018 – two more have since followed.
(Image: PA)
This is a breaking sports story and is being constantly updated with the latest news, pictures and videos. Please refresh the page regularly.
You can also get email updates on the day’s biggest sports stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our sports newsletter.
Get all the very best sports news, pictures, opinion and video by following Daily Star every time you see our name.
Follow Daily Star on Google News – CLICK HERE and click the star
Follow Daily Star on Apple News – CLICK HERE available on Apple devices
Follow Daily Star on Flipboard – CLICK HERE and click follow
You can also sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news by following @DailyStar_Sport and follow us @dailystar for all the latest updates.
Keep up-to-date with your must-see sports stories, features, videos and pictures throughout the day by following us on Facebook at Daily Star Football | London
