“I am a proud Englishman and it has been an honor to play and coach England. It meant everything to me and I sacrificed everything for it too. But it’s time for a change, for a new chapter. I thank England for everything,” she quoted the 53-year-old coach as saying BBC.
“Over the past eight years, he has transformed the national team and helped create unforgettable memories for all fans. We will watch his work with great pride. He was important for the development of our game, several players and the transformation of football culture,” wrote v declaration the head of the English Football Association Mark Bullingham.
After 102 games and almost eight years in charge, Gareth Southgate has announced he is to leave his role as manager of the #ThreeLions.
July 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Post Archived: July 16, 2024 at 12:57 p.m.
Southgate took over the national team in 2016. At the World Cup in Russia in 2018, he reached the semi-finals with them, four years later they were eliminated in the quarter-finals in Qatar.
He did better on the European stage. At Euro 2021, he led England to their first major final since 1966 when they won the World Cup on home soil. But he lost to Italy on penalties. And it didn’t work out for him this year either, on Sunday his team lost to Spain 1:2.
“The squad we brought to Germany is full of young and talented players who can certainly win the trophy we dream of in the future,” continued Southgate. “He accomplished the seemingly impossible and laid a strong foundation for future success. We’re proud of everything he’s accomplished,” added Bullingham.
From the beginning of the engagement, he faced criticism for his overly cautious and pragmatic playing style, which was not very attractive to the fans. Especially at this year’s Euro, he heard that he might not fully utilize the potential of the star-studded squad.
Nevertheless, he led the national team to the finals twice. And despite the unceasing criticism, he thanked the fans at his farewell. “We have the best supporters in the world and their support meant everything to me. I’m an England fan and always will be.’
He coached a total of 102 matches, winning 61 of them. Only Alf Ramsey (113) and Walter Winterbottom (139) scored more matches on the bench. It was Ramsey who single-handedly led England to gold from a major tournament, Southgate twice coming close to being second.
“I look forward to watching and celebrating the achievements of our great players as they continue to unite and inspire the nation as they do,” Southgate concluded.
And what will happen next with England?
“We have started looking for a replacement and aim to announce it as soon as possible. The League of Nations starts in September and we have a temporary coaching solution ready if needed. We know we cannot avoid speculation, but we will not comment on any of it until an official announcement is made,” Bullingham concluded.
According to TV Sky Sports current Newcastle coach Eddie Howe or former Chelsea coaches Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino are favourites.
