- Gareth Southgate’s near-eight-year reign as England manager has ended
- The FA devised a five-man shortlist to succeed Southgate if he stepped down
- LISTEN: Join us as we debate the BIGGEST talking points on It’s All Kicking Off! EUROS DAILY. Available wherever you get your podcasts
Gareth Southgate has resigned as England manager after the Three Lions’ crushing 2-1 defeat by Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final.
Southgate, 53, was under contract until December but has decided to quit following after nearly eight years in the role.
He was permanently named England manager in November 2016 and guided the Three Lions through four major tournaments, twice leading his side to the European Championship final in 2020 and 2024.
Confirming his resignation on Tuesday, 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.
Gareth Southgate has stepped down as England manager after losing the Euro 2024 final
‘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.
‘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”.
‘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 charge after a turbulent era of English football, after former Three Lions boss Sam Allardyce left the role by mutual consent in 2016, lasting just 67 days in the position.
Mail Sport reported on Monday that the Football Association were poised to begin a comprehensive search for Southgate’s successor in the event of him stepping down, devising a shortlist of potential targets.
The five coaches on the FA’s radar are Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe, former Chelsea managers Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino and England U21s boss Lee Carsley.
Following Southgate’s resignation, the FA said: ‘The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now under way and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible. Our UEFA Nations League campaign starts in September, and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed.’
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