Gareth Southgate resigns as England manager

Updated: 16 Jul 2024 21:17 BST
4 min read

Gareth Southgate, England, 2024 — © IMAGO

Gareth Southgate has resigned from his role as England manager.

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The 53-year-old's departure comes after the Three Lions were beaten by Spain in the final of Euro 2024 on Sunday. Goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal downed England and the long wait for an international trophy continues.

England have not achieved success at a major tournament since they won the 1966 World Cup. Southgate, despite coming close twice in the European Championship, failed to deliver a trophy.

Under his stewardship, the Three Lions also finished as runners-up at the delayed Euro 2020, losing the final to Italy on penalties in heartbreaking fashion.

Southgate's exit has felt inevitable for some time. The manager has been linked with a departure from his England role for months and was even associated with the Man Utd job earlier this year.

His contract was due to expire at the end of 2024, but Southgate has decided to step down prematurely. Though England reached the final of Euro 2024, their performances left a lot to be desired and calls for the coach to leave grew ever louder.

Southgate took the Three Lions as far as he could and can leave with his head held high, having managed to fix the notoriously toxic England environment during his almost eight years at the helm.

Southgate resigns

"As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England," Southgate wrote in an official statement. "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."

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