Gareth Southgate steps down as England manager

After 102 games and two finals, Southgate is stepping back

Author: Chris MaskeryPublished 16th Jul 2024
Last updated 16th Jul 2024

Gareth Southgate is stepping down as England manager after 102 games, saying it is time for a “new chapter” for the national team.

The Football Association announced the news this morning, following England's defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday.

Southgate took charge of England in 2016, following the team’s embarrassing exit to Iceland in that summer’s Euros and the short-lived reign of Sam Allardyce.

His contract was due to expire in December, but has left early to allow time to find his successor.

What's next for England?

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham paid tribute to Southgate’s achievements in leading England to successive European Championship finals, as well as to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.

Bullingham indicated the process to find Southgate’s successor “is now under way” and said the FA had an “interim solution in place if needed”, with the team’s next matches coming in the Nations League in September.

Lots of managers' names have already been linked with the job, Graham Potter who left Chelsea last year is one of the favourites according to bookmakers.

Other managers listed by bookies for the job include Eddie Howe, Lee Carsley, Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Frank Lampard and even Jurgen Klopp.

Gareth Southgate's statement

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.

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.

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