Gareth Southgate has resigned from his position as the manager of England’s national team. The move comes just a couple of days after England was defeated by Spain in the finals of the 2024 EURO.
Southgate had a contract until December, with England’s Football Association (FA) being keen on extending it. However, Southgate made a decision that it was the right time for him to step down following an eight-year run.
“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,” said Southgate in a statement. “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.”
Southgate made 57 appearances for England as a player. He was hired as the national side’s boss in 2016 despite a limited coaching resume that included stints with Middlesbrough and England U21.
It proved to be the right decision, as Southgate turned around England following years of disappointments on the international stage. He led the national team to the semifinals of the World Cup 2018 before reaching the finals of the 2020 EURO. England went on to reach the quarterfinals at the World Cup 2022 before returning to the European Championship finals in 2024.
FA reportedly already started searching for Southgate’s replacement. The list of candidates includes former Chelsea managers Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino, as well as Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe.
