England fans have sent positive messages to Gareth Southgate after the 53-year-old confirmed he's leaving his role as manager.
The former Middlesbrough star has been in charge of the side ever since 2016, with England becoming a major force under his guidance.
Southgate has now decided to pass on the responsibility to someone else, with the likes of Graham Potter, Eddie Howe, Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp all emerging as potential candidates.
The FA had been hoping to keep the 53-year-old but he feels the time is right to pursue a new challenge.
England fans have sent positive messages to Gareth Southgate after the 53-year-old confirmed he's leaving his role as manager
PA
And England fans have sent positive messages to Southgate thanking him for everything he's achieved during his tenure.
"Thank you for bringing the nation together. Now time to hire an elite coach who will bring football home with the best crop of players we’ve had," were the words of one user.
"Thank you Gareth for the best memories as an England fan," said a second.
A third stated: "Thank you for the memories and for raising England football from the doldrums, Gareth."
A fourth opined: "The right time. Thanks for the service and getting the country behind the team again."
Another said: "Best England manager in all of time. Only thing that was missing was that trophy. Thank you Gareth."
A sixth reacted by saying: "Gareth Southgate was the best England manager of my lifetime and he always set a high standard for his players to follow. A very decent man whose numerous great qualities will be long remembered when all his worst critics & their vitriol have faded away."
And a seventh said: "Thanks Gareth, you took over at a time when England were a laughing stock and gave us our pride back."
Southgate, meanwhile, says it's 'time for a change' and 'a new chapter'. He's proud of everything he's achieved, with England making two finals during his reign.
"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," he said.
"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.
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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
"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.
"The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of.
"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.
England legend Gareth Southgate made the country dream of glory once again with tributes pouring in despite Spain Euro 2024 final defeat
REUTERS
"My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.
"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."
