Gareth Southgate has called for a “new chapter” after stepping down as England manager following the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
The 53-year-old oversaw 102 England matches in a near eight-year reign, where he transformed the fortunes of the men’s team.
Southgate took them to a first final since 1966, losing to Italy at Wembley three years ago, and after another European Championship final defeat to Spain on Sunday, he declared it is “time for change”.
“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.
“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.”
Euro 2024 was Southgate’s fourth major tournament in charge of England, and arguably the most volatile despite reaching the final.
Southgate was heavily criticised for his team selections and in-match tactical decisions, and even had empty beers cups thrown at him after the 0-0 draw with Slovenia.
The England boss admitted to an “unusual environment”, but despite external pressure they managed to channel the criticism, acknowledging the view of pundits and using it as fuel, to progress through the knockout stages in dramatic circumstances.
Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick saved England in the round of 16, when Southgate seemingly seconds away from getting the sack, before captain Harry Kane scored the winner against Slovakia.
Five perfect penalties then saw off Switzerland in the quarter-finals, after Bukayo Saka’s equaliser, while Ollie Watkins was the hero of the semis against the Netherlands.
Come the final, it was a step too far against a side that had won all of their previous six matches in Germany. Spain outplayed England, although that ultimately led to concerns Southgate was unable to get the best out of this squad.
Many called for a change, and on Tuesday, having not rushed into a knee-jerk decision after the final, Southgate confirmed his decision.
Southgate added: “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.”
England’s record under Southgate
After the calamity of Euro 2016 under Roy Hodgson, and the one match played under Sam Allardyce, Southgate initially took the role on a caretaker basis.
That was made permanent in November 2016, and in that first two-year cycle up to the 2018 World Cup, he continued the work he had started with the Under-21s – eager to change public perception of the men’s national team and create unity within it.
The summer of 2018 was therefore fondly remembered, as a nation admired its waistcoat-wearing manager and sung “Southgate You’re The One” all the way to the semi-finals.
It was a near miss, losing to Croatia after extra-time, and more pain followed at Euro 2020, where England impressed all the way to the final before losing, on home soil, to Italy on penalties.
Expectation somewhat lowered by the time of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they exited at the quarter-final stage to France, but come Euro 2024 they entered the tournament as favourites.
Expectation was rife given the team’s leading stars – Kane, Bellingham, and Phil Foden – had been standout players in their respective domestic leagues.
Getting them to gel however, was the challenge, and though they advanced to the knockout stages top of their group, Southgate’s tactics and starting line-ups were regularly questioned, with fatigue and injuries a concern.
It was also arguably moments of individual brilliance that carried them through the knockouts, leaving a nation still querying his methods despite reaching a first final on foreign soil.
And there, England fell short for a second time. They were lacklustre against Spain, with Cole Palmer – the player many had wanted to see in the starting XI – producing the moment that gave the Three Lions hope, only for Mikel Oyarzabal to extinguish that in the 86th minute and hand the Spanish their fourth major trophy this century. A haul the England men’s team can only dream of.
Southgate, having appeared worn out by the constant demands of this unforgiving role, wanted time to consider his future afterwards, although it was always going to be days instead of weeks.
In the end, few will be surprised by the call, for his own sake, and it was not even two full days before he confirmed his departure, going out with a record of 61 wins, 24 draws and 17 defeats in his 102 games in charge.
“I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football,” Southgate said. “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.”
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