Gareth Southgate has resigned as England manager after eight years in charge following their Euro 2024 final defeat against Spain on Sunday.
The Football Association made the announcement on Tuesday with the dust still settling on England's failure to win what would have been only their second major trophy – to add to the World Cup triumph in 1966.
The search now begins to replace a man who guided the national team to two successive European Championship finals, as well as the semi-finals and quarter-finals of the World Cup.
“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,” the 53-year-old said in a statement on the FA website.
“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 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.”
Southgate's exit comes after what was a tough tournament for the former Middlesbrough manager, who came under fierce criticism for the team's apparent shortcomings in Germany, despite having some of the finest attacking talents at the finals in the likes of Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
They qualified for the knockout stages after finishing top of Group E despite struggling for form and fluency during the win over Serbia and draws with Denmark and Slovenia.
England needed a spectacular last-gasp overhead-kick from Real Madrid star Bellingham to avoid going out in the last-16 against Slovakia before Kane headed home what turned out to be the winner at the start of extra-time.
A similar pattern emerged in the next two rounds, starting with the quarter-finals when Saka's superb finish with ten minutes remaining took the match against Switzerland into extra-time before the team ran out 5-3 winners in a penalty shoot-out.
A last-minute winner from substitute Ollie Watkins earned them a 2-1 last-four win over the Netherlands but England's luck was to run out in the final when Spain secured a fourth Euro crown following a fully deserved victory in the German capital.
“The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of,” added Southgate in his statement. “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 back room 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’.
“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.”
Spain 2 England 1 – player ratings
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SPAIN RATINGS: A great night for Basques and not just Spaniards. Far quieter than his opposite number as Spain had 63 per cent of possession and six shots on target to England’s three as a Spanish side won their 27th consecutive final in club and national team football. Spain now sit alone with four European championship titles and Simon, beaten by a deflection for the goal, pushed away Rice’s header in the 90th minute to help their cause. AP -
Back in the side after being suspended for the semi-final, the 32 year old Real Madrid man crossed well and was involved in the opening goal, but was also robbed by his teammate Bellingham, which led to one England chance. AP -
Recalled after serving his suspension, the Real Sociedad man couldn’t get his foot around a 13th-minute ball close to England’s goal. Excellent in the air. PA -
A comfortable evening against an unfit-looking Kane. More touches than any player on the pitch – and a higher passing accuracy, too, for a team that won all seven tournament games. EPA -
Booed again by the Germans in the crowd, but he crossed beautifully to set up Oyarzabal’s winner. EPA -
Juan Mata said of him: ‘In Rodri’s position there is no other like him. He gives options to everyone and he gives the forward players the security not to look back. He is amazing.’ Quite – and yet Spain initially improved after he went off injured and went ahead. Then England equalised. Rightly congratulated by a gracious Gareth Southgate afterwards. AP -
Spain’s surprise performer in the tournament for the bold side that dominated possession, pressed and had individual skills. His half-volley went over after 70 minutes. AP -
Great chance after 49 minutes from near the penalty spot. Smart first touch, then he dragged the ball wide. He also cleared a 90th-minute Guehi effort off the line. Getty Images -
Work cut out against Shaw, though he did get behind him in the build-up to Spain’s 47th-minute opener, passing to Williams. On the day after his 17th birthday, he missed a clear 83rd-minute chance. Also had a 66th-minute shot saved by the diving Pickford. Getty Images -
Man of the match. Man of the tournament for many. An early danger, one of the stars of Euro 2024 saw an effort well blocked by Stones. Put his side ahead after being set up by Yamal. AFP -
Spain’s captain dropped deeper to get the ball, making him less of a threat, though he got behind Guehi to shoot wide on 55, a minute after a 20-yard shot was blocked. Getty Images -
SUBS: (On for Rodri, 46') Spain’s subs again showed their importance. Won the ball from Palmer on 82, which led to an attack and almost a goal. Reuters -
(On for Morata, 68') He’ll forever be remembered as the man who got the winner in a European final, sliding an 86th-minute cross past Pickford from six yards out. Only had eight touches, but two of them were shots on target. Getty Images -
(On for Le Normand, 83') EPA -
(On for Yamal, 89') AP -
ENGLAND RATINGS: A couple of good saves from Yamal to keep his side in it. His distribution was poor, though. He sprayed long balls that handed Spain possession when England needed it most. EPA -
After a bright start, his worst performance of the tournament. Won a couple of foot races to show he hasn’t lost his pace but was all at sea for Williams’ opener and out of position for Spain’s winner. Getty Images -
A monster at the heart of defence. Time and again he rescued his team. Threaded passes forward and carried the ball into midfield as he does for Man City. Unlucky to have played Oyazabal onside. Got better and better as the tournament progressed as he shook off the rust from his injury. AP -
Good positioning and reading of the game. Made several excellent blocks and played some probing passes. Had a header cleared off the line by Olmo late on as he raided forward in search of an equaliser. Should be a fixture in England's defence for years to come. EPA -
Barring one mistake, he was superb given he was returning from a long spell out. Just one lapse against Yamal in the lead-up to Spain’s opener but, that’s all it takes against a top-quality team. Showed what England were have been missing on the left-hand side. PA -
A disappointing game. Sloppy with his passing when his team needed to keep possession. Good steal from Williams as he broke into the box. Forced a good save from Simon at the death. AFP -
Looked a little overrun and overawed at times. Had to concentrate mostly on defensive duties. Beautiful tackle to dispossess Olmo on the edge of the area. Lovely quick feet under pressure in one attack. Misplaced a few passes, which his side could ill afford. His time will come. AP -
Lively and sharp. Excellent pass to slip Walker free into the box. Fantastic work in setting up Palmer’s goal. One of England’s best players again. AFP -
Not his best game but showed flashes. Did well to set up Kane just before half time. Brilliant turn and strike on the edge of the area. Careless passing at times but laid on a lovely cushioned pass for Palmer to score. Looked tired. EPA -
Despite being given licence to roam, he didn’t have the impact he did against the Netherlands as Spain denied him space. Lovely layoff to Bellingham. Really inventive snap shot at the back post from a free kick just before the break. AFP -
Maybe the end of the line for England’s record goal scorer at major tournaments – in the starting XI, at least. Far too static yet again. A poor tournament despite his three goals. The only possible excuse is that he was carrying an injury, in which case, why was he starting? AP -
SUBS: (On for Kane, 60’) What a difference he made with his running and energy up front. He unsettled the Spain defence and gave his side options. A poor touch when put in by Bellingham at the end meant he couldn't repeat his semi-final heroics. Getty Images -
(On for Mainoo, 69’) The lad is a game-changer. Alongside Watkins, he galvanised England. The finish for his goal was sheer quality. Should have had more time on the pitch during the tournament. Getty Images -
(On for Foden, 89’) PA
Southgate won 61 of his 102 games in charge of England, drawing 24, losing 17 and was the only manager bar 1966 World Cup winner Sir Alf Ramsey to lead the England men's team into a major tournament final.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham paid tribute to Southgate and his assistant Steve Holland for “having transformed the England men’s team, delivering unforgettable memories for everyone who loves the Three Lions”.
“In the 25 tournaments post 1966 before Gareth took charge, we had won seven knockout games,” he added. “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.
“Before Gareth, our longest time ranked in the top five in the world was seven months. In his tenure we have been ranked there for six years. Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success.”
Bullingham also confirmed the search is under way for Southgate's successor, with the likes of Eddie Howe, Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino and Lee Carsley all mentioned in the UK media as possible candidates.
“We aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible,” he added. “Our Uefa Nations League campaign starts in September [against the Republic of Ireland], and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed.”
England and Manchester City defender John Stones said: “He’s changed our culture within our team, which is extremely difficult with players coming from different club environments.To feel so comfortable within everyone’s company, on the pitch - the humility, the winning mentality.”
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford wrote on Instagram: “Completely gutted. This will hurt for a while. Appreciate everyone who supported us during the tournament and I’d like to thank all my teammates and staff for their work throughout.
“I also want to say a special thank you to the boss for always believing in me during his time with us and I would like to wish him all the best in his next steps. Thank you Gareth.”
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, a mainstay for Southgate, appearing in every game for England at the last three major tournaments, posted in an Instagram Story: “Thank you Gaffer. It’s been a privilege to play for England under your guidance.
“Memories that will stay with me forever. All the best in your next adventure.”
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, who missed out on a place in Southgate’s Euros squad after picking up a calf injury in April, wrote on Instagram: “You made us all believe again – memories that will last forever. Thankyou boss.”
The Prince of Wales also personally thanked Southgate in a message on social media.
Prince William, the heir to the British throne, who was at Sunday's final with son Prince George, posted: “Gareth, I want to thank you – not as the President of the @FA, but as an @England fan.
“Thank you for creating a team that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest in 2024. Thank you for showing humility, compassion, and true leadership under the most intense pressure and scrutiny.
“And thank you for being an all-round class act. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved. W.”
