Prince William has today paid a heartfelt tribute to Gareth Southgate after he stepped down as England manager.
The Prince of Wales, 42, thanked the former Three Lions’ boss for his ‘humility, compassion, and true leadership under the most intense pressure and scrutiny’.
In a touching message to Southgate, the royal described him as an ‘all-round class act’ who ‘should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved’.
He wrote in a post from the official Kensington Palace account: ‘Gareth, I want to thank you – not as the President of the FA, but as an England fan.
‘Thank you for creating a team that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest in 2024.
Prince William has today paid a heartfelt tribute to Gareth Southgate after he stepped down as England manager
The royal and President of the FA thanked Southgate for being an ‘all-round class act’
William shakes Southgate’s hand as he goes to collect his runners-up medal following the 2-1 loss to Spain in the European Championship final in Berlin on Sunday
‘Thank you for showing humility, compassion, and true leadership under the most intense pressure and scrutiny.
‘And thank you for being an all-round class act. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved. W.’
William, who is also President of the FA, had flown to Berlin with his son George, 10, to watch the Three Lions from the stands at the Olympiastadion.
He shook Southgate and players’ hands after the match as they collected their runners-up medals where he offered them words of comfort.
Southgate announced he had quit as the national side’s manager just two days after the crushing 2-1 defeat to Spain in the European Championship final in Berlin.
The 53-year-old was under contract until December but has decided to quit after nearly eight years in the role.
Confirming his resignation today, 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.
‘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.
William presented Southgate with a specially framed photo in June in recognition of his 150 appearances as an England player and manager ahead of the Euros
Southgate was under contract until December but has decided to quit as Three Lions boss
Southgate celebrates jubilantly with England supporters after the Three Lions win their first ever World Cup penalty shoot-out against Colombia in 2018 to advance to the quarter finals
‘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.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, Grahame Potter, England under 21s manager Lee Carsley, and Mauricio Pochettino are the early favourites to take over the role.
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.’
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham paid tribute to Southgate with a touching statement on Tuesday.
‘On behalf of English football, I would like to pay tribute to Gareth Southgate and to Steve Holland for everything they have achieved,’ he said.
‘Over the last eight years they have transformed the England men’s team, delivering unforgettable memories for everyone who loves the Three Lions.
‘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. However, it is his record of winning tournament games which is most extraordinary.’