Gareth Southgate Concludes England Manager Role With A Notable Legacy

Gareth Southgate's decision to step down as England manager has been met with mixed reactions. His former team-mate, Darren Anderton, believes it was the right time for Southgate to leave. The Football Association (FA) confirmed his departure following England's 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

Southgate, who took over in 2016, led England to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and consecutive European Championship finals. Despite these achievements, he became the first manager to lose two Euros finals. Anderton, who played alongside Southgate at Euro 1996, feels the timing of his exit is appropriate.

"I think he's been getting a lot of stick," Anderton told Stats Perform. "He's been involved since 2011 with the FA and now eight years as the manager." Anderton noted that the pressure of the job had taken its toll on Southgate. "From where he took over, we're in an incredible place with fantastic players," he added.

Southgate seemed increasingly weary of the constant criticism during Euro 2024. While Anderton understands some frustrations, he believes Southgate will be remembered as one of England's great managers. "There's been a lot of negativity and I think rightly so," Anderton said. "The standard and style of football hasn't been what we would hope or what it was when Gareth first took over."

Despite England being the first team to lose back-to-back Euros finals, Anderton does not think this will tarnish Southgate's legacy. "I think it'll be a success," he said when asked about Southgate's tenure. "At the moment we see it as a failure because I believe that we had the players and capabilities to win the tournaments."

Anderton highlighted that expectations have risen due to Southgate's achievements. "When you watch that Spanish team play and win seven games on the bounce with freedom, I think if we had played similarly, we would have seen better performances," he remarked.

Southgate managed 102 games for England, winning 61 of them, including 14 victories at major tournaments. Potential successors include Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, and England Under-21s boss Lee Carsley.

"People always say it's the hardest job in the world," Anderton continued. "He's had a right go at it and been very close to creating history." He believes that despite current negativity, Southgate will eventually be seen as a legend for his contributions.

The pressure associated with managing England has undoubtedly affected Southgate's outlook on his role. "I feel like he's more negative within the job; the pressure of it causes that," Anderton explained.

As time passes, many expect Southgate’s efforts will be appreciated more broadly. "I mean at the moment everyone's very negative about it but I think you know as time goes on he'll be remembered as a legend," Anderton concluded.