Gareth Southgate Resigns as England Manager After Euro 2024 Final Defeat

Gareth Southgate has stepped down as England manager following his team’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

Southgate, 53, who managed the team for eight years and led them to two major international finals, announced his resignation despite his contract expiring in December.

The Football Association has just over seven weeks to find a full-time successor before England’s Nations League match against the Republic of Ireland on September 7.

Graham Potter, recently sacked by Chelsea, is the early favourite to replace Southgate.

Southgate expressed his pride and gratitude in a heartfelt message to fans. “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for and manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all. But it’s time for change and a new chapter,” he said.

Southgate joined the FA in 2011 and has been pivotal in improving English football. He credited his success to the support of colleagues and praised assistant coach Steve Holland and his squad. “The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent, and they can win the trophy we all dream of,” he added.

Despite the praise, Southgate faced heavy criticism during the Euro 2024 campaign, notably from fans who threw empty beer cups at him after a goalless draw against Slovenia. He also faced scrutiny from pundits like Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Gary Neville over England’s playing style.

Reflecting on the final, Southgate admitted that England’s inability to maintain possession was a critical error. “Our players have been incredible; they’ve given everybody some incredible nights… but we didn’t keep the ball well enough,” he said.

Southgate concluded his message with gratitude to the backroom staff and fans, saying, “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.”

England now looks ahead to appoint a new manager to build on Southgate’s legacy and lead the team to future successes.