Gareth Southgate has resigned as England’s head coach following their defeat to Spain in the 2024 European Championship final.
In a statement, the former Middlesbrough manager expressed, “It’s time for change and for a new chapter.”
The official England handle on X (formerly Twitter) confirmed Southgate’s departure, bidding farewell to the manager after almost a decade in charge.
“After 102 games and almost eight years in charge, Gareth Southgate has announced he is to leave his role as manager of the Three Lions,” the statement reads.
Gareth Southgate became the head coach of the England national team in 2016 after a successful stint with the U21 team from 2013 to 2016.
During his eight-year leadership, he guided England to a fourth-place finish at the World Cup, their best performance since 1990, and reached the finals of the Euros twice consecutively.
He came close to victory in the 2020 Euros but lost to Italy on penalties. His second final defeat occurred against Spain on Sunday, July 14, 2024.
Gareth Southgate has
Read Southgate’s statement below
“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.
“I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks.
“I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.
“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 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 inspire me every day, and I am so grateful to them—the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.
“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.
“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.”
