Gareth Southgate leaves the England job following the Euro 2024 final
The English Football Association (FA) announced on Tuesday that Gareth Southgate had resigned as manager of England following their loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
While Southgate's contract was set to expire in December, sources informed ESPN that the FA preferred for him to stay on until the 2026 World Cup.
Southgate managed England for eight years, managing the team in 102 games.
“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honor of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all,” said the 53-year-old Southgate.
“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.”
Under his leadership, England advanced to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and the quarterfinals of the Qatari tournament two years prior.Southgate oversaw four significant international competitions.
In 2016, Southgate took over as manager of England following Sam Allardyce's sudden resignation. Having worked with the Under-21 team from 2013 to 2016, Southgate was a well-known figure to many players on the senior national team.
62 of the 102 games Southgate oversaw as manager of England ended in victories.
Southgate has been commended for his efforts as the team's manager by Prince William, the head of the English Football Association.
According to ESPN, Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, and Mauricio Pochettino are three of the front-runners to succeed Southgate.
The hunt has officially started, according to FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham, who also praised Southgate and his deputy Steve Holland for their contributions to English football.
"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.
