Gareth Southgate has announced his resignation as England’s manager after eight years in the role. Despite the Football Association’s hope that he would extend his contract following England’s final appearance at Euro 2024, Southgate has chosen to seek new opportunities.
“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England,” Southgate 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. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.”
At 53, Southgate leaves as England’s most successful manager in terms of consistent major tournament performance. Under his leadership, England reached the Euro 2021 final, the 2018 World Cup semi-final, and were eliminated by France in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals.
Potential successors to Southgate include Newcastle’s Eddie Howe, former Brighton and Chelsea manager Graham Potter, and former Bayern Munich and Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel. England’s next matches are against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in the Nations League in September.
“The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of,” Southgate said. “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.”
Southgate signed a contract until December to allow time for a decision post-Euro 2024, but he made clear before the final against Spain that his decision would be swift. His tenure saw significant pressure, particularly during the Euros after underwhelming group stage performances. He faced boos and criticism after a 0-0 draw with Slovenia.
Initially appointed on a caretaker basis in September 2016 following Sam Allardyce’s departure, Southgate thought his time would end if England did not win in Germany. Having worked at the FA since 2013, Southgate is admired at Manchester United, despite his only club management experience being with Middlesbrough from 2006-09.
Other potential candidates include former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley, and former England internationals Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. The hiring process will be overseen by the FA’s technical director, John McDermott, and chief executive, Mark Bullingham.
“Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success,” Bullingham said. “He is held in the highest regard by the players, the backroom team, by everyone at the FA and across the world of football. We are very proud of everything Gareth and Steve achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them. The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now under way.”
Source: ghmediahub
