Prince William releases statement after Gareth Southgate steps down as England manager
Prince William has released a statement after Gareth Southgate stepped down as England manager.
PA
Prince William has released a statement after Gareth Southgate stepped down as England manager.
The Prince of Wales was in Berlin to watch England suffer a devastating 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
William, who is the President of the Football Association, hailed Southgate's transformative effect on England's football team.
The royal wrote: "Gareth, I want to thank you - not as the President of the @FA, but as an @England fan.
Prince William has released a statement after Gareth Southgate stepped down as England manager.
PA
"Thank you for creating a team that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest in 2024.
"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. W."
On Sunday, William flew to Germany with his eldest son Prince George to cheer on the Three Lions in Berlin.
On Sunday, William flew to Germany with his eldest son Prince George to cheer on the Three Lions in Berlin.
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The disappointing result condemned England to back-to-back Euro final defeats under Southgate.
King Charles issued a public message to the England manager following the defeat.
The monarch said: "Mr. Gareth Southgate O.B.E.
"Although victory may have eluded you this evening, nevertheless my wife and I join all my family in urging you and your support team to hold your heads high.
"All those who have participated in sporting activities at any level will know how utterly despairing such a result can feel when the prize was so near - and will join me in sending heartfelt sympathy, even as we congratulate Spain.
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The disappointing result condemned England to back-to-back Euro final defeats under Southgate.
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"But please know that your success in reaching the European Championship final is a really great achievement in itself, and one that brings with it the pride of a nation which will continue to roar for the Three Lions today – and in the many triumphs which I have no doubt lie ahead.
"Charles R".
Last week, it was reported that plans for an open-top bus parade through the streets of London on Tuesday, July 16th were being put together in case England were victorious.
The route would have taken England players to Buckingham Palace, where Southgate and squad would have been honoured at a reception with Prince William and King Charles.
However, these plans have been scrapped following the defeat in Germany.