Following his England’s defeat to Spain in Euro 2024 finals, Gareth Southgate has announced today that he will leave his role as the manager of the England men’s national team.
His decision comes two days after England’s suffered a 2-1 defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin, Germany.
This was his second consecutive final at the European Championships which the Three Lions had lost. In the previous tournament he lost to Italy.
Southgate spent 8 years as England’s manager, taking charge of 102 matches but has never won any silverware for the men’s national team on the international stage.
“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honor of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all,” said the 53-year-old Southgate.
“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.” added Southgate.
Southgate took charge of England at four major international tournaments, reaching the semifinals at the 2018 World Cup and the quarterfinals in Qatar two years ago.
England had won seven knockout games in the 25 international tournaments since winning the World Cup in 1966 before Southgate took over, and in the four he has been manager of the team, the Three Lions won nine.
After years of underachieving on the international stage since winning the World Cup 58 years ago, Southgate is also credited with instilling a positive atmosphere around the team.
However, during Euro 2024 in Germany, England’s style of play came under scrutiny, with some fans throwing plastic cups onto the pitch following the 0-0 draw with Slovenia, a result which confirmed the team’s spot in the last 16.
Cups being thrown at Southgate during England vs Slovenia match at the Euro 2024.
England fell agonizingly short against Spain in the final though to become the first team ever to lose back-to-back Euros finals.
As England manager, Southgate won 62 of the 102 games he presided over.
During his playing days, Southgate was a defender who played in the Premier League for Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough.
He earned 57 caps as a player, with his international playing career most known for the decisive penalty he had saved in Euro 1996 semifinal against Germany which resulted in England’s elimination from the tournament.