Gareth Southgate exit confirmed as England boss leaves role following Spain Euro 2024 final defeat
Gareth Southgate has left his position as England manager following Sunday's Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain
PA
England have confirmed the departure of Gareth Southgate as manager just days after Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024.
The 53-year-old guided the Three Lions to the final of the competition, with England overcoming the likes of Serbia, Slovakia, Switzerland and the Netherlands in the process.
With England slumping to defeat, however, Southgate has now opted to leave his role after almost eight years in his position.
England confirmed his departure in a statement that read: "After 102 games and almost eight years in charge, Gareth Southgate has announced he is to leave his role as manager of the Three Lions."
Gareth Southgate has left his position as England manager following Sunday's Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain
PA
Southgate, in a lengthy statement of his own, has explained his decision to walk away from the role - having previously been appointed all the way back in 2018.
"As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England," he 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.
"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."
Southgate also paid tribute to Steve Holland, who has been by his side throughout his time in the dugout.
"I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland," added the former Middlesbrough boss.
"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."
Despite England losing against Spain in Sunday's final, Southgate insists players have what it takes to deliver a major trophy after so many years of hurt.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
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
"The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of," he continued.
"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.
"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’.
Gareth Southgate has done brilliantly as England manager despite Sunday's disappointing 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024
PA
"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."
Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp are all candidates to replace Southgate. What he does next is unclear, with rumours suggesting he's set to be offered the job of a pundit by ITV for the World Cup in 2026.
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