Gareth Southgate has left his role as manager of the England national team after eight years in charge.
After taking over in 2016, he led the Three Lions to successive European Championship finals, coming close but not achieving silverware since they last won the World Cup in 1966.
Following their World Cup semi final in 2016, England went a step further by reaching the final of Euro 2020, losing to Italy on penalties.
Their quarter-final exit at the 2022 World Cup was followed by another appearance at the Euro 2024 final, losing 2-1 Spain — an outcome which has led to Southgate’s exit.
“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.
“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,” Southgate said in a statement.
It will be hard to deny that the former England international performed well in a national team that had previously failed to get through the last eight of a major tournament in over a decade, and will go down in history as one of their best managers.
“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,” he added.
“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.
“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’.”
England’s CEO Mark Bullingham also weighed in on Southgate’s departure, saying;
“In the 25 tournaments post 1966 before Gareth took charge, we had won seven knockout games,” England FA CEO Mark Bullingham said.
“In his four tournaments we have won nine. So, in his eight years, he has won more games that really matter than in the previous 50 years.”
