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Gareth Southgate Steps Down as England Manager After Euro 2024
Gareth Southgate has announced his resignation as the head coach of England’s men’s national soccer team, following the team’s recent participation in the Euro 2024 final.
“Being an Englishman, it has been the pride of my life to both represent and manage the country. I have dedicated myself fully to this role. However, I believe it is time for a fresh perspective and a new chapter. The final match against Spain in Berlin will be my last as manager,” Southgate stated.
After leading the team in 102 matches over nearly eight years, Southgate confirmed his departure from the #ThreeLions.
During Southgate’s tenure, England reached the Euro 2024 final, where they faced Spain. Unfortunately for the squad and their supporters, Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal scored a decisive goal in the 86th minute, sealing a 2-1 victory and extinguishing England’s hopes for a first men’s title at the UEFA European Championship.
ESPN’s James Olley reported that while the English Football Association had hoped Southgate would remain in charge through the 2026 World Cup, he opted to step down with his contract due to expire in December.
Southgate’s football journey began as a player, representing clubs like Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Middlesbrough from 1988 to 2006. After transitioning to management, he led Middlesbrough from 2006 to 2009, before becoming the manager of England’s Under-21 team in 2013.
In the wake of Roy Hodgson’s resignation, Southgate was appointed as the senior team’s manager in 2016. Although England fell short of claiming a major title during his leadership, the team achieved notable success, finishing as runners-up at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, marking the two best results for the team in the tournament’s history.
Under Southgate, England also reached the World Cup semifinals in 2018 and advanced to the quarterfinals in 2022, showcasing the team’s growth on the international stage. Despite having only captured the 1966 World Cup, England is recognized as one of the world’s leading football teams, yet they have often come heartbreakingly close to securing additional major trophies.
Reflecting on his time with the team, Southgate expressed faith in the potential of the current squad, which he described as filled with promising young players capable of achieving the elusive titles that fans yearn for. He remarked, “I am incredibly proud of this group, and I encourage everyone to support the players and the Football Association as they work tirelessly to enhance English football, appreciating the profound impact the sport has on driving positive transformation.”
In his farewell, Southgate affirmed his ongoing commitment as a fan of the national team, stating, “We have the best supporters in the world, and I will forever be one of them.”
While the search for Southgate’s successor is underway, notable candidates reportedly include Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, and Mauricio Pochettino, who has managed Tottenham Hotspur among other clubs, as mentioned by Olley.
Source
bleacherreport.com