Gary Lineker sends message to Gareth Southgate after England boss quits following Euro 2024 failure

Goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal won the trophy for La Roja, with Cole Palmer's superb equaliser ultimately in vain.

Lineker was critical of Southgate throughout Euro 2024, with his brutally honest comments raising eyebrows within the BBC.

Wishing Gareth Southgate all the very best in the future. He brought pride, respect and a togetherness to @England that we hadn’t seen for a long time. He was close, very close to footballing immmortality and he always did the job with humility, decency and dignity. Thank you,…

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 16, 2024

But the 63-year-old has now paid tribute to the England boss and acknowledged his fine work during his eight years in charge of the team.

"Wishing Gareth Southgate all the very best in the future," the former England striker said on X.

"He brought pride, respect and a togetherness to @England that we hadn’t seen for a long time.

"He was close, very close to footballing immortality and he always did the job with humility, decency and dignity. Thank you, Gareth."

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Lineker isn't the only footballing figure to react to the news.

Jamie Carragher, who had been keen to see Southgate sign a new contract and stay on as England boss, has also penned his own tribute.

"It’s been a great ride for all involved over the last eight years," said the former Liverpool star.

"Two finals, semi final & a quarter final in Gareth Southgate’s four tournaments is a very tough act to follow!"

And Gary Neville said: "Thank you Gareth you did a great job."

READ MORE: Gary Lineker reveals what England players told him about brutal criticism after Spain Euro 2024 final defeat

It is currently unclear who will replace Southgate.

But Eddie Howe and Graham Potter are reportedly at the top of the FA's shortlist as they look to appoint a manager who can finally win a trophy with the team.

Howe is admired due to his work at Bournemouth and Newcastle. He could leave St James' Park amid ongoing changes behind the scenes on Tyneside. However, it's currently unclear if he's willing to venture into international management at this stage of his career.

Potter is out of work following his sacking from Chelsea last April. Managing England is something that would reportedly appeal to the 49-year-old, who previously worked wonders during spells with Brighton and Swansea.

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Thomas Tuchel has also been linked, with the German on the market following his departure from Bayern Munich earlier this summer.

And Jurgen Klopp is an outside bet, though he's previously indicated he needs a rest after his exit from Liverpool.

Southgate, meanwhile, has thanked England fans for their support and expressed a belief the future is bright for the Three Lions.

"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.

"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."