Gareth Southgate steps down as England manager after Euro 2024 Final loss vs Spain. England men’s football team confirmed the news via their social media accounts on Tuesday, 16 July.
“After 102 games and almost eight years in charge, Gareth Southgate has announced he is to leave his role as manager of England,” England football team said via Twitter.
Gareth Southgate leaves after almost 8 years in charge where he reached back to back Euro finals and 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-final.
Speaking after the Euro loss, Southgate had confirmed that he will have a discussion with the FA about his role in the England team. Southgate had been heavily criticised for his brand of football which was uninspiring to many.
Speaking to ITV, he expressed that it was not the right moment to decide his future. “I don’t think now is a good time to make a decision like that. I need to talk to the right people. It’s not for now,” he said. In his post-match press conference, Southgate reiterated the need for private discussions with important figures before making any public statements. He acknowledged the question about his future but emphasised the importance of having those conversations behind the scenes.
“Without a doubt, England have got some fabulous young players, and even the young ones now have a lot of experience of tournaments. Many of this squad are going to be in two, four, six, eight years’ time. We have now been consistently back in the matches that matter, but it’s the last step that we haven’t been able to do,” Southgate added.
In his note to the fans, Southgate wrote that it was time for a change.
“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,” Southgate said in his note.
“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,” he further added.