Gareth Southgate resigns as England

 manager after Euro 2024 final defeat

 

Gareth Southgate has officially announced his resignation as England's manager after an eight-year tenure. Despite the Football Association's desire for him to extend his contract following England's progression to the Euro 2024 final, Southgate has opted for a new challenge.

"As a proud Englishman, it has been the honor of my life to play for England and to manage England," Southgate stated. "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."

At 53, Southgate leaves behind a legacy as England's most successful manager in terms of consistent major tournament performance. Under his guidance, England reached the European Championship final in 2021, where they were defeated by Italy, and the World Cup semi-final in 2018, losing to Croatia. In his other World Cup, the team was knocked out by France in the quarter-finals.

The FA has compiled a shortlist of potential successors, with Newcastle’s Eddie Howe and three former Chelsea managers, Graham Potter, Thomas Tuchel, and Mauricio Pochettino, emerging as top candidates. Howe, who once described the England role as "the ultimate" job, is reportedly open to discussions if approached by the FA. Despite his love for the daily rigors of club management, Howe might find the opportunity too enticing to refuse. England’s upcoming fixtures are against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in the Nations League in September.

"The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent, and they can win the trophy we all dream of," Southgate remarked. "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."

Southgate’s contract, set to expire in December, was designed to allow him and the FA some breathing room post-Euro 2024 to make a final decision. However, he made it clear before the final loss to Spain that he would not need much time to decide.

Throughout the Euros, Southgate faced intense pressure due to underwhelming performances by England in the group stage and the last 16 against Slovakia. He faced significant backlash, including boos and thrown beer cups, after England's 0-0 draw with Slovenia in their final group match.

Following the Slovenia game, Southgate acknowledged the challenging atmosphere, stating he understood "the narrative towards me" but noted that it was "creating an unusual environment to operate in."

Southgate initially took charge of England on a caretaker basis in September 2016 after Sam Allardyce’s abrupt departure. He had previously indicated that his tenure would likely end if England did not secure victory in Germany.

Having been with the FA since 2011, Southgate also has admirers at Manchester United, where Erik ten Hag received a new contract this summer. His sole club management experience was with Middlesbrough from 2006 to 2009.

The FA is also considering other candidates, including Lee Carsley, the England Under-21 manager, and former England internationals Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. The hiring process will be overseen by the FA’s technical director, John McDermott, and the chief executive, Mark Bullingham. Pochettino, who has a strong relationship with McDermott from their time at Tottenham, is weighing his options but has previously expressed ambitions to manage England.

"Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success," Bullingham said. "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."