England manager Gareth Southgate has resigned two days after England’s 2-1 defeat by Spain in the 2024 European Championship final in Berlin.
This marks the second consecutive Euros final loss for the Three Lions, following their penalty shootout defeat by Italy at Wembley three years prior.
At 53, Southgate ends his tenure after managing 102 games over eight years. His contract was set to expire later this year.
Southgate, who guided England through its most successful period in recent history by reaching two major finals, navigating the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, and addressing the Black Lives Matter protests, announced his resignation on Tuesday.
In a heartfelt message published on the Football Association’s website shortly after the squad’s return from Berlin, he confirmed the defeat to Spain would be his last match in charge.
“It has been the honor of my life to play for England and to manage England,” Southgate wrote. “It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all. But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter.”
Having made over 50 appearances for England as a player, Southgate joined the national team program in 2013 as the under-21 manager.
He took over the senior team in 2016 after the dismissal of Sam Allardyce.
Initially appointed temporarily, Southgate’s performance earned him a permanent position, making him the longest-serving manager of England’s men’s team in over three decades.
His consistent success rivals that of Alf Ramsey, who led England to its only World Cup victory in 1966.
Under Southgate’s guidance, England reached the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup, the final of the 2020 European Championship, held in 2021, and recently, the final of Euro 2024.
Southgate, previously best known for missing a penalty in the 1996 European Championship semifinals, became a national figure.
He garnered both praise and criticism for his willingness to address political and social issues, particularly his support for players taking a knee to protest systemic racism after the murder of George Floyd.
Southgate preferred to risk criticism rather than remain silent on these issues.
In recent years, the public’s relationship with Southgate evolved. He faced jeers following disappointing results leading up to Euro 2024, and entered the tournament under significant pressure.
Despite a series of underwhelming early performances, Southgate’s leadership saw England come close to victory, only losing to Spain in the final minutes. His efforts prompted calls for him to be knighted.
Though his contract with the F.A. was designed to avoid hasty decisions post-tournament, Southgate had indicated a quick decision on his future was likely.
He has now informed his employers of his immediate departure. Potential successors include Newcastle’s Eddie Howe and former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter, with German managers Thomas Tuchel and Jürgen Klopp also considered strong candidates.
