Updated: England manager Gareth Southgate steps down

Two days after England’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, Gareth Southgate announced on Tuesday that he was leaving his position as manager.

“A new chapter and a shift are needed. In a statement, Southgate stated, “My final game as England manager was Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain.

The 53-year-old Southgate’s replacement has already been mentioned, including Eddie Howe of Newcastle and Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino, two former Chelsea managers.

Mark Bullingham, CEO of the Football Association, stated that Southgate had “made the impossible job possible.”

England’s fortunes were at an all-time low when Southgate took command in 2016. The team had just lost to Iceland at the Euros and Sam Allardyce had to step down due to a controversy.

Southgate guided England to three semi-finals and two finals in the last four championships.

The Three Lions had only advanced to three major tournament semifinals and one final in their history—the 1966 World Cup—prior to his appointment.

But even though Southgate turned around the England team, the country fell 2-1 to Spain on Sunday, and Southgate failed to win a trophy for the first time in 58 years.

“Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success,” said Bullingham in a statement.

“In the 25 tournaments post 1966 before Gareth took charge, we had won seven knockout games.

“In his four tournaments we have won nine. So, in his eight years, he has won more games that really matter than in the previous 50 years.

“And of course, we have had strong tournament performances throughout their tenure.

“We came so close to winning the Euros in London and securing the first trophy for our men’s team for over 50 years -– and came so close again in Berlin on Sunday.”

Southgate remarked that the position had been a dream of a lifetime for him. He is also praised with giving the squad back its pride and luster and with making the players become role models off the field.

“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England,” he said.

“It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.”

AFP