THE FA has announced that Gareth Southgate has resigned from his post as England manager.
This comes less than 48 hours after England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the European Championship final.
Southgate managed 102 matches over his eight years in charge, making him the longest serving Three Lions manager since Sir Bobby Robson.
“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England,” said Southgate.
“It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all”.
“But it’s time for change, a new chapter”.
During his reign the 53 year old has changed the outlook and expectation of the English national team.
When he was first appointed in 2016, England were seen as Europe’s laughingstock after being knocked out by minnows Iceland in the previous tournament.
From the semi-final and quarter-final in his two Fifa World Cup campaigns or the back to back European Championship final appearances, Southgate has completed a full transformation of the England national team.
Although the Three Lions were not able to clear the final hurdle under his stewardship, Southgate can leave with his head up high.
During his thirteen years in the national setup, Southgate has risen to the very top of the tree, having initially joined as Academy Manager in 2011.
Just two years after he became the u21s manager, where he would earn himself the senior team in 2016, after Sam Allardyce was dismissed after having managed just one game.
The departing manager gave debuts to over sixty players in his eight year reign, including the likes of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Bukayo Saka, who are now key players.
The Prince of Wales, who is president of the FA, thanked Southgate for “creating a team that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest in 2024”.
Several players including Jude Bellingham have also thanked Southgate.
“I’d like to thank Gareth and his staff for the great memories during his tenure”, Bellingham said.
“It was a privilege to being led by someone who is so dedicated and passionate”.
“Not only is Gareth easily one of the coaches in the history of the national team, but he is also an unbelievable human being”.
The search for a new manager to replace Southgate is underway according to FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham.
“The process for appointing Gareth’s successor in now underway and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible”.
Bullingham has also confirmed “there is a interim solution in place”, with Englands next competitive games coming in the UEFA Nations League in September.
Former Chelsea managers Mauricio Pochettino and Graham Potter, as well as Newcastle manager Eddie Howe have all been touted as possible replacements for Southgate, although the FA are refusing to comment on any speculation at the at the current time
