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Gareth Southgate applauds fans after England’s defeat to Spain in the 2024 European Championship final.
CNN
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Gareth Southgate announced on Tuesday that he is stepping down as manager of the England men’s national team.
His decision comes two days after England lost 2-1 to Spain in the final of Euro 2024 in Berlin.
That was the second consecutive final at the European Championship that the Three Lions has lost.
Southgate was England manager for eight years, taking charge of 102 matches.
“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 done everything I can to make it happen,” said the 53-year-old Southgate.
“But it is time for a change, and a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my last game as England manager.”
Southgate has played for England at four major international tournaments, reaching the semi-finals at the 2018 World Cup and the quarter-finals in Qatar two years ago.
England had won seven knockout matches in the 25 international tournaments since winning the World Cup in 1966 before Southgate took over, and in the four in which he has managed the team, Three Lions nine won.
After winning the World Cup 58 years ago and underperforming on the international stage for years, Southgate has also been praised for the positive atmosphere within the team.
However, England’s style of play came under scrutiny during the 2024 European Championship in Germany. After a 0-0 draw against Slovenia, some fans threw plastic cups onto the pitch. This result confirmed the team’s place in the round of 16.
But as England progressed through the tournament, Southgate managed to regain the sympathy of most fans, particularly through his team’s heroics in the closing stages.
However, England lost painfully to Spain in the final, becoming the first team ever to lose the European Championship final twice in succession.
“The squad we have taken to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of,” said Southgate.
“I am so proud of them and I hope we can stand behind the players and team at St George’s Park and the FA, who work every day to improve English football and understand the power football has to drive positive change.”
According to the English Football Association, St. George’s Park is the ‘home’ of all 23 English national football teams.
Southgate added: “We have the best fans in the world and their support means the world to me. I am an England fan and always will be.”
Southgate was appointed England manager in 2016 following the sudden departure of Sam Allardyce. Southgate was a familiar face to many of the senior national team, having worked with the Under-21 team between 2013 and 2016.
As England manager, Southgate won 62 of the 102 matches he took charge.
Prince William, the chairman of the English Football Association, thanked Southgate for all the work he has done as manager of the team.
“Thank you for creating a team that will stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world in 2024,” the Prince of Wales wrote on X. “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 have achieved.”
During his active career, Southgate was a defender and played in the Premier League for Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesborough.
He played 57 international matches, with his international football career best known for the decisive penalty he saved in the semi-final of the 1996 European Championship against Germany, which eliminated England.
The FA’s chief executive, Mark Bullingham, said it was “very proud of all that Gareth and Steve have achieved for England and will be eternally grateful to them.”
“Gareth has made the impossible possible and laid a solid foundation for future success. He is held in the highest regard by the players, the backroom team, everyone at the FA and across the football world.”
Bullingham added that the process for a new England manager is underway.
This is a developing story and will be updated.