Gareth Southgate has stepped down as the England national team head coach after eight years in charge. The defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final was Southgate’s final game in charge, and he has now officially announced his decision to leave.
He led the team to their first World Cup semifinal in 28 years in 2018, before guiding them to two consecutive European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024. However, his side came up short on both occasions, accelerating his departure.
Gareth Southgate steps down as England manager after Euro 2024 final loss
"Thank you, England – for everything." ❤️💙
— England (@England) July 16, 2024
A message from Gareth Southgate. 🧵⬇️ pic.twitter.com/STzYnj2FlF
“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,” Southgate 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.”
The English FA wanted the manager to retain his position in spite of the Euro final defeat. However, they respected his decision and the national team is now set to move in a new direction.
Former Chelsea managers Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino have both been linked with the newly vacated job. On the other hand, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has also been rumoured as a potential option. As things stand, the FA has already started the process of hiring a new manager.
