Gareth Southgate has resigned as England manager, with an emotional statement issued to supporters after the team's Euro 2024 final defeat.
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England lost Euros final to SpainSouthgate confirms resignationAdmits it's 'time for a change'WHAT HAPPENED?
England suffered a painful 2-1 loss to Spain in Sunday's showpiece event at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, leading to widespread speculation over Southgate's future. The 53-year-old has now confirmed he is stepping down, bringing to an end his eight-year reign at the helm.
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Southgate bid an emotional final goodbye to supporters in an official statement, which read: "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. 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."
GettyWHAT THE FA SAID
The English football association have also released a statement paying tribute to Southgate, who is walking away as the most successful manager in the national team's history after 1966 World Cup-winning boss Sir Alf Ramsey.
"On behalf of English football, I would like to pay tribute to Gareth Southgate and to Steve Holland for everything they have achieved," FA CEO Mark Bullingham 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.
"Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success. He is held in the highest regard by the players, the backroom team, by everyone at The FA and across the world of football. We are very proud of everything Gareth and Steve achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Bullingham also revealed that the search for Southgate's successor has already started, amid rumours linking high profile names like Graham Potter, Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola with the job. "The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now under way and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible," he said. "Our UEFA Nations League campaign starts in September, and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed. We know there will be inevitable speculation, but we won’t be commenting further on our process until we appoint."
