Gareth Southgate has stepped down as England manager.
His last game in charge was Sunday evening’s 2-1 Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain in Berlin after which he said he would take some time to consider his future with his contract due to expire in December.
The announcement of his resignation came this morning, less than 48 hours after the disappointment of a second successive European Championship final defeat.
In an open letter on the Football Association website, the 53-year-old wrote: “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.”
After 102 games and almost eight years in charge, Gareth Southgate has announced he is to leave his role as manager of the #ThreeLions.
— England (@England) July 16, 2024
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We have the best fans in the world – Southgate
England were criticised for their performances in Germany with Southgate struggling to find the right tactical formula which left the side unbalanced and lacking any attacking fluency.
He insisted, however, he was proud of their efforts, adding: “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.”
A nearly man, or someone who transformed perceptions of England?
Southgate took over in 2016 following England’s shambolic showing at Euro 2016 and Sam Allardyce’s short, ill-fated reign.
He brought about immediate improvement, both in terms of the on-field performance but also the perception of what a good England manager should look like with his calm, pleasant demeanour and eloquence when facing the media.
And yet, despite an excellent record, he struggled to win over a support-base that felt he was too negative at key junctures when a more front-footed approach may have brought about a trophy the nation has craved for 58 years.
He leaves with a record of P102, W61, D24, L17. That represents a 59.8 per cent win record – the third highest of any Three Lions boss to take charge of 50 games or more.
So close, yet so far
Southgate led England to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup where, having taken the lead, they lost to Croatia in extra-time. Three years later at the Covid-delayed European Championship, they made it to the final – England’s first major final appearance since 1966 – but they again squandered an early advantage, ultimately losing on a penalty shoot-out to Italy.
A quarter-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup was seen as a strong showing but Southgate thought long and hard afterwards whether he should carry on.
He did so but admitted prior to Euro 2024 it was likely his last tournament in charge of his country.
The criticism he received, particularly after the goalless draw against Slovenia in England’s final group game, which included fans throwing cups at him at full-time, undoubtedly convinced him it was the right time to walk.
