Gareth Southgate resigns as England manager after Euro final defeat
Southgate said it had been an 'honour' to lead the team, but that it is now 'time for change, and for a new chapter,' ITV News Correspondent Geraint Vincent reports
Gareth Southgate is to leave his role as England manager, the Football Association has announced.
It comes after England's 2-1 defeat to Spain at Sunday's Euro 2024 final – the second time in a row the Three Lions have lost at that stage of the tournament.
Southgate’s side went within one game of joining the heroes of 1966 in footballing immortality.
Once again, though, that last barrier proved an insurmountable one, and just over 36 hours later Southgate called time on his eight-year reign.
ITV News Sports Editor Steve Scott reports that the FA has confirmed it has list of potential successors to Southgate. These include foreign managers, because they want "the best" available for the job, the organisation said.
Once the list is shortened - based on who they want versus who might be interested - the interview process will start.
As speculation stirs about who could take over the role, Newcastle bosses say they will fight to hold on to Eddie Howe amid talks linking him with the England job.
Howe is one of the bookmakers' favourites to succeed Southgate, but Newcastle chief executive Darren Eales is determined to hold on to him.
Eales insisted everything was "hypothetical" at this stage, but asked if the Magpies would fight to keep Howe in the event of an approach from the Football Association, Eales said: "Yes, absolutely."
In a statement released today, Southgate said as a "proud Englishman", it had been an "honour" to lead the team, but that it is now "time for change, and for a new chapter".
Reflecting on his eight years as the England men's manager, he said he has been "supported by some brilliant people", including coach and assistant manager Steve Holland.
"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," Southgate said.
"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."
FA CEO Mark Bullingham congratulated Southgate and Holland, claiming over the past eight years they had "transformed the England men’s team, delivering unforgettable memories for everyone who loves the Three Lions".
"We look back at Gareth’s tenure with huge pride – his contribution to the English game, including a significant role in player development, and in culture transformation has been unique," he said in a statement.
"However, it is his record of winning tournament games which is most extraordinary. 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."
Bullingham added: "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.
"Before Gareth, our longest time ranked in the top five in the world was seven months. In his tenure we have been ranked there for six years.
"Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success. He is held in the highest regard by the players, the backroom team, by everyone at The FA and across the world of football."
The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now underway with the aim of confirming England's new manager as soon as possible.
Jordan Pickford and Declan Rice were among current England players to lead tributes to 53-year-old Southgate.
Everton goalkeeper Pickford wrote on Instagram: “Completely gutted. This will hurt for a while. Appreciate everyone who supported us during the tournament and I’d like to thank all my teammates and staff for their work throughout.
“I also want to say a special thank you to the boss for always believing in me during his time with us and I would like to wish him all the best in his next steps. Thank you Gareth.”
Arsenal midfielder Rice, a mainstay for Southgate, appearing in every game for England at the last three major tournaments, posted in his Instagram Story: “Thank you Gaffer. It’s been a privilege to play for England under your guidance. Memories that will stay with me forever. All the best in your next adventure.”
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, who missed out on a place in Southgate’s Euros squad after picking up a calf injury in April, wrote on Instagram: “You made us all believe again – memories that will last forever. Thankyou boss.”
Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher described Southgate’s time as manager as a “great ride”.
In a post on X, Carragher said: “It’s been a great ride for all involved over the last eight years. Two finals, semi final and a quarter final in Gareth Southgate’s four tournaments is a very tough act to follow!”
Jude Bellingham described Southgate as an “unbelievable human being” in an emotional Instagram post, in which he apologised for England falling short in the final against Spain.
“The fact is that we came up against a great opponent and fell short, it hurts that we were so close to history and yet couldn’t deliver for the England fans that backed us throughout the highs and lows of the tournament whether that was from back home or out in Germany in the stadiums,” he wrote. “For that we can only hold our hands up and apologise.”
The Real Madrid midfielder concluded: “Finally, I’d like to thank Gareth and his staff for the great memories during his tenure. From the point of view of a fan who has become a member of the squad, it’s been a rollercoaster of amazing emotions that has instilled hope and joy back into our country.
“It was a privilege being led by someone who is so dedicated and passionate, not only is Gareth easily one of the best coaches in the history of the national team but also an unbelievable human being. Thank you for everything and all the best in the next chapter, Gaffer."
Commentator and former England striker Gary Lineker added: "Wishing Gareth Southgate all the very best in the future. He brought pride, respect and a togetherness to @England that we hadn’t seen for a long time.
"He was close, very close to footballing immortality and he always did the job with humility, decency and dignity. Thank you, Gareth."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Southgate had “shouldered the dreams of the country with dignity and honour” after the announcement was made.
The Prince of Wales also paid tribute to Southgate, not only as president of the FA, but also "as an England fan".
"Thank you for creating a team that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest in 2024," William said.
"Thank you for showing humility, compassion, and true leadership under the most intense pressure and scrutiny. And thank you for being an all-round class act. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved."
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