Gareth Southgate throws in the towel after England’s Euro 2024 disappointment

Former England manager Gareth Southgate

Gareth Southgate throws in the towel after England’s Euro 2024 disappointment

Joel Omotto 15:50 - 16.07.2024

Gareth Southgate has stepped down as England manager following Sunday’s Euro 204 final defeat to Spain, ending an impressive eight-year spell.

Gareth Southgate has stepped down as England manager just two days after losing to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

Southgate threw in the towel amid the disappointment of losing a second straight Euro final after also going down on post-match penalties to Italy in the delayed 2020 tournament.

The former Middlesbrough coach watched his side suffer a 2-1 loss to Spain at the Olympics Stadium in Berlin and decided enough was enough, ending his spell of nearly eight years in which he has taken England to three finals in major competitions.

“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,” Southgate said in his farewell message sent through the FA.

“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 inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.”

Southgate has one of the highest win percentages for an England coach after leading them to two finals, semi and quarter final in four tournaments.

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