England manager Gareth Southgate has ended speculation over his future by announcing that he will be standing down following Sunday’s loss against Spain in the Euro 2024 final
Gareth Southgate has announced he is leaving his role as England manager following Sunday’s loss in the Euro 2024 final.
The Three Lions boss, 53, has been at the helm for eight years and guided England to successive European Championship finals. His contract expires later this year and he had been coy on talk over his future throughout this summer’s tournament in Germany.
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England came up short again in the Euros final against Spain just as they did against Italy at Euro 2020 – and Southgate has now confirmed that Sunday night’s match in Berlin will indeed be his last.
Southgate confirmed the news in an emotional 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.
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“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.”
Several England players and pundits were quick to react to the news on social media on Tuesday morning. England defender Harry Maguire, who missed the Euros through injury, wrote on Instagram: “You made us all believe again – memories that will last forever. Thank you boss.”
Gary Neville posted on X: “Thank you Gareth you did a great job,” while Neville’s Sky Sports colleague Jamie Carragher said: “It’s been a great ride for all involved over the last eight years. Two finals, semi final & a quarter final in Gareth Southgate’s four tournaments is a very tough act to follow!”
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker, who had been critical of Southgate and England throughout Euro 2024, wrote: “Wishing Gareth Southgate all the very best in the future. He brought pride, respect and a togetherness to @England that we hadn’t seen for a long time. He was close, very close to footballing immmortality and he always did the job with humility, decency and dignity. Thank you, Gareth.”
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham also penned a magnificent tribute to the outgoing England boss. Writing on the FA’s official website, he said: “On behalf of English football, I would like to pay tribute to Gareth Southgate and to Steve Holland for everything they have achieved.
“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.
“In the 25 tournaments post 1966 before Gareth took charge, we had won seven knockout games. In his four tournaments we have won nine. So, in his eight years, he has won more games that really matter than in the previous 50 years.”
He would go on to confirm that the FA aim to announce Southgate’s successor before England’s UEFA Nations League campaign gets underway in September, saying: “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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