England manager Gareth Southgate has announced his resignation following his side’s defeat in the Euro 2016 final once morest Spain. Southgate took charge of England in 2016 and has led them to two Euro 2018 finals (both defeats) and the World Cup semi-finals in 2018. In a message released by the England team, Southgate himself, who managed the ‘Three Lions’ in 102 matches, said goodbye to supporters, describing the experience as the “honour of a lifetime”. “It has meant everything to me and I have given it everything. But it is time for a change and a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin once morest Spain was my last game as England manager,” Southgate wrote.
The former international player recalls how he joined the English FA in 2011 “determined to improve English football” and that during that time he has had “brilliant people” to whom he is very grateful, such as Steve Holland, his assistant. “The team we took to (the European Championship in) Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of. I am very proud of them, and I hope we get behind the players and the team,” he says. After reiterating his gratitude to the technical team that has accompanied him for eight years for their work and commitment, Southgate describes the English as “the best fans in the world”, whose support “has been everything”.
“I look forward to watching and celebrating how the players continue to create more special memories and connect and inspire the nation in the way we know they can. Thank you England, for everything,” he said. Despite having received much criticism, especially for the national team’s style of play, Southgate has made history for his longevity at the helm of one of the most difficult dugouts in world football, always surrounded by expectations that were rarely fulfilled. Among his most memorable merits will be having provided calm to a position always in the eye of the storm, as well as having made England a regular in the later rounds of major competitions.
After taking over as manager in 2016, Southgate managed to lead the Three Lions to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where they fell to Croatia in extra time. Three years later, the English reached the final at Wembley in the European Championship, but lost on penalties to Italy. After reaching the quarter-finals at the World Cup in Qatar (losing to France), the English reached the final of the European Championship once more last Sunday, but failed to beat the Spanish team (2-1). The chief executive of the FA, Mark Bullingham, paid tribute in a statement to Southgate and Holland, who “have transformed the England men’s team, bringing back unforgettable memories for all those who love the Three Lions.”
“His contribution to the English game, including a major role in player development and cultural transformation, has been unique. But what is most extraordinary is his record of winning tournament matches,” said Bullingham. In the 25 major tournaments since winning the 1966 World Cup and before Southgate took over, England had won just seven knockout games; in his eight years in charge, they have won nine. “Gareth has made the impossible possible and laid the foundations for future success. He is held in the highest regard by the players, the coaching staff, everyone at the FA and across the football world.” Bullingham said that while “there will be inevitable speculation”, no comment would be made on his successor until he is appointed.
