England football manager, Gareth Southgate, has announced his resignation from managing the national team. Southgate recently led the English team to EUROS 2024 where they finished as runner-up to Spain. He had been tipped to renew his contract and lead the team to the 2026 world cup but in a stunning announcement on Tuesday morning, the former England defender announced he is leaving the job, effective immediately.
“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,” the English man said in a statement released by the England Football Association (FA).
Southgate became the third longest serving manager having managed 102 games behind only Walter Winterbottom (139) and Sir Alf Ramsey (113).
After taking charge in 2016, he guided England to the 2018 World Cup semifinals, the Euro 2020 final and the World Cup 2022 quarterfinals before they reached their first ever major final on foreign soil in Germany.
“I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games,” Southgate continued.
“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.”
Southgate signed off his message by declaring: “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.”
Sources say Eddie Howe, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino are among the likely contenders to replace Southgate and the chairman of the FA, Mark Bullingham, confirmed the search is on to find a replacement.
“Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success,” he said in a statement.
“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 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.
“We know there will be inevitable speculation, but we won’t be commenting further on our process until we appoint.”
