Gareth Southgate Steps Down As England Manager Following Euro 2024 Final Loss

Gareth Southgate has stepped down as England manager after their defeat in the Euro 2024 final. His contract was set to end later this year, but he had hinted he would not continue if they failed to win the trophy. Southgate, who took over from Sam Allardyce in September 2016, led the team for eight years.

During his tenure, Southgate managed England in four major tournaments. He guided them to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and then to their first major tournament final since 1966 at Euro 2020. Unfortunately, they lost 3-2 on penalties to Italy at Wembley. In the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, England reached the quarter-finals under his leadership.

Southgate's final tournament saw England reach their first-ever final on foreign soil. However, a 2-1 defeat to Spain made them the first team to lose consecutive Euros finals. Southgate also became the only manager to lose two such finals. Over his time in charge, he managed 102 matches, winning 61 of them and scoring 223 goals.

His record includes 14 wins at major tournaments, the most by any England manager. The team reached more finals (two) in four attempts under him than they did in their first 23 appearances at the World Cup and Euros combined.

Speaking on the Football Association's website, Southgate expressed his pride: "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," he added. "After 102 games and almost eight years in charge, Gareth Southgate has announced he is to leave his role as manager of the #ThreeLions." - England (@England) July 16, 2024.

A Bright Future Ahead

Southgate praised his players: "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."

"The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent," he continued. "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."

He also acknowledged the fans: "We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I'm an England fan and I always will be."

Southgate concluded with optimism: "I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can."

"Thank you, England for everything," he said.