Gareth Southgate has stepped down as England national team head coach, a few days after Euro 2024 final heartbreak.
The 53-year-old confirmed his decision to leave the role in his first press conference after England returned from the Euro 2024 tournament. In a quote shared by the BBC, he insisted he has given it (England national team coaching role) his all and believes it is the right time to resign from his high-paying job as England’s coach.
“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.
“But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter.”
The former Middlesbrough manager also added he has an interim managerial solution for the team if the FA wants it.
“I have an interim solution in place if it is needed and will not comment further on the process until a new boss is appointed,” he added.
Reacting to Gareth Southgate’s resignation, FA CEO, Mark Bullingham, paid tribute to the gaffer for what he has achieved with the team throughout his tenure as manager, adding that the process to find his successor is underway.
“On behalf of English football, I would like to pay tribute to Gareth Southgate and to Steve Holland for everything they have achieved.
“The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now underway 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,” Bullingham said
Why Gareth Southgate is resigning as England manager
Southgate’s decision to step down as England national team manager is coming three days after England lost Euro 2024 final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany. Before the tournament, the English gaffer made it clear that his least expectation is to win the continental showpiece, adding he will step down if he doesn’t.
After an underwhelming group-stage campaign, which saw the team top their group with 5 points, Southgate defied the odds to steer the team to the final, where they lost to Spain.
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams opened the scoring for Spain before England’s impact substitute, Cole Palmer, scored the equaliser. At the last stretch of proceedings, Mikel Oyarzabal scored the winner to condemn the Three Lions to a second consecutive Euro final loss.
Before the game, England FA had signaled they would want Southgate to continue as the team’s manager, irrespective of the outcome of the Euro 2024 final.
However, sources close to the former U21 head coach revealed he won’t continue if England misses out on the trophy in Berlin.
Gareth Southgate’s achievement with England national team
Southgate was appointed England national team manager in 2016, replacing interim manager Sam Allardyce. He first assumed the role on an interim basis, before securing the job permanently after a series of impressive results.
He reached the last four of the inaugural edition of the UEFA Nations League in 2019, reached the semi-finals of 2018 World Cup, finished as runners-up in Euro 2020, reached the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup and the final of the just-concluded 2024 Euros.
Overall, Southgate’s eight-year spell with the Three Lions cannot be passed as a failure. However, he has been under pressure as the team continues to wait for their first major international trophy since 1966.
Who is likely to replace Gareth Southgate in England national team?
According to the Sun, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe could emerge as the FA’s top target to replace Southgate. Other high-profile managers such as Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, and Julian Nagelsmann are readily available options. The search for Southgate’s successor is expected to commence immediately as England prepares to return to competitive action on September 7 in UEFA Nations League clash against Northern Ireland.
There are suggestions the FA are likely to appoint England U21 team head coach, Lee Carsley, as interim manager, pending the appointment of a new manager.
What is next for Gareth Southgate?
While still on the dugout as England national team manager, Southgate was linked to Manchester United role before the club renewed Erik ten Hag’s contract. So, Southgate’s next step remains unknown. However, there are reports he could take a break from management before returning to the dugout.
GARETH SOUTHGATE’S FULL RESIGNATION STATEMENT AS ENGLAND MANAGER
”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.
”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.” (source: englandfootball.com)
