Breaking: Southgate steps down as England manager after eight years
Gareth Southgate has announced his resignation as England’s manager, bringing an end to an eight-year tenure. The Football Association (FA) had hoped for a contract extension following his successful campaign leading the team to the final of Euro 2024, but Southgate has chosen to seek new challenges.
“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England,” Southgate stated. “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.”
At 53, Southgate departs as England’s most consistently successful manager in major tournaments. Under his leadership, England reached the European Championship final in 2021, losing to Italy, and a World Cup semi-final in 2018, falling to Croatia.
The team also made it to the quarter-finals of the most recent World Cup, where they were eliminated by France.
Potential successors for Southgate include Newcastle’s Eddie Howe and former Chelsea managers Graham Potter, Thomas Tuchel, and Mauricio Pochettino.
Howe, who has described the England managerial role as “the ultimate” job, is reportedly open to discussions should the FA approach him. England’s upcoming fixtures include Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in September.
“The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of,” Southgate commented. “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.”
Southgate’s decision came after he and the FA had agreed on a contract extending to December, allowing time post-Euro 2024 for reflection. However, Southgate indicated his decision before the final loss to Spain.
Southgate faced significant pressure during the Euros, especially after lackluster performances in the group stage and a tense last-16 match against Slovakia. He endured criticism and boos following a 0-0 draw with Slovenia in the final group match, acknowledging the challenging environment.
Appointed initially on a caretaker basis in September 2016 following Sam Allardyce’s abrupt departure, Southgate has been with the FA since 2013. His previous club management experience was with Middlesbrough from 2006 to 2009.
Other potential candidates for the managerial role include England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley, and former England internationals Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. The selection process will be overseen by FA technical director John McDermott and chief executive Mark Bullingham.
“Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success,” Bullingham said. “He is held in the highest regard by the players, the backroom team, by everyone at the FA and across the world of football. We are very proud of everything Gareth and Steve achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them. The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now under way.”
