The saga surrounding Gareth Southgate’s future has finally come to an end, with the manager himself announcing that he shall be stepping down from the head role after 8 years.
There have been consistent rumours during this tournament however that Southgate would leave the job despite the FA hoping for him to continue until the 2026 World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico.
But alas, that has not turned out to be the case now, as Southgate announced his decision in a statement via the FA.
After 102 games and almost eight years in charge, Gareth Southgate has announced he is to leave his role as manager of the #ThreeLions.— England (@England) July 16, 2024
“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 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.
“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.”
England lost to Spain in the final of Euro 2024, extending its wait for a first major trophy to at least 60 years after winning the 1966 World Cup.
Southgate has undoubtedly been one of the most transformational managers in England’s history. Despite his seemingly old-school tactics and defensive style of play, since he was hired in 2016, Southgate has led the team to back-to-back finals at the Euros and to the semifinals of the World Cup in 2018.
Before then, England’s best results since 1966 were the semifinals of the 1990 World Cup and Euro 1996.
But Southgate has not been able to end England’s decades-long wait for silverware after losing the 2021 Euros final to Italy in a penalty shootout and, on Sunday, suffering defeat after Mikel Oyarzabal’s 86th-minute winner.
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