Gareth Southgate has decided to step down as England manager following a heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the UEFA Euro 2024 final, where Harry Kane and his teammates fell short. Just days after England finished as runners-up for the second consecutive time in the European Championships, Southgate announced his departure from the role on Tuesday. His contract was set to expire this year, and despite speculation, he remained quiet about leading England into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Since taking over as head coach in 2016, Southgate is widely credited with transforming England’s fortunes. Under his leadership, the team reached consecutive UEFA Euro finals and the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, a significant achievement for a team that had previously only reached the semi-finals in 1990 and Euro 1996.
Last week in Berlin, England suffered a 2-1 defeat to Spain in the UEFA Euro 2024 final, reminiscent of their penalty shootout loss to Italy three years ago in the same stage. Over his tenure, Southgate managed England in 102 matches, becoming only the second manager after Alf Ramsey to lead the men’s team to a major tournament final. Ramsey famously guided England to victory in the 1966 World Cup.
Reflecting on his time, Southgate expressed, “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,” He praised the current squad’s young talent and expressed confidence that they could achieve the ultimate trophy in the future.
“The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of. 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,” Southgate concluded.