GARETH Southgate said it was “the honour of my life” to manage England after he resigned following the 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin last weekend.
Southgate confirmed on Monday that was his last game after almost eight years in charge during which he led the Three Lions to two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final in 2018.
Southgate is one of only three England managers to be in charge of more than 100 games (102), after World Cup winning boss Sir Alf Ramsey (113) and Sir Walter Winterbottom (139).
“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,” Southgate said in a statement this week.
“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.”
The tributes have been pouring in for Southgate.
“I’d like to thank Gareth and his staff for the great memories during his tenure,” Jude Bellingham said.
“It was a privilege being led by someone who is so dedicated and passionate, not only is Gareth easily one of the best coaches in the history of the national team but also an unbelievable human being.
“Thank you for everything and all the best in the next chapter, gaffer.”
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was first-choice in the four major tournaments under Southgate.
“I also want to say a special thank you to the boss for always believing in me during his time with us and I would like to wish him all the best in his next steps,” Pickford said. “Thank you, Gareth.”
Southgate took over from Sam Allardyce in 2016 after the latter had been in charge for just one game before the infamous recorded conversation with fictitious Asian businessmen on how to get around the ban on third-party ownership of players led to his departure.
“His legacy is successful, there’s no doubt about that,” said Allardyce.
“From when he took over and to where he’s finished has been nothing but success and the success of Gareth, his backroom staff on the players has to be admired.
“I think he’s handled himself absolutely fantastically well. And I think eight years is an awful long time to cope with the pressures that this job brings.
“He can look back on his career with great success, and he can move on with his life.
“I’m sure that we won’t be too long after a good rest that we probably will see him in the Premier League somewhere.
“Get away, relax and reflect on not anything other than how good he’s been. I think that’s probably what I would suggest.”
Meanwhile, early reports placed Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and former Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion boss Graham Potter at the top of the FA’s list of potential replacements.
