Gareth Southgate announced on Tuesday his decision to step down as England manager following the team’s defeat to Spain in the European Championship final. This loss marks England’s second consecutive setback in the finals of the prestigious continental tournament.
Southgate, who took the helm in 2016, led the team through 102 matches. Under his guidance, England reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and made it to the Euros finals in 2021 and 2024.
In Sunday’s final in Berlin, England fell 2-1 to Spain. After the game, Southgate hinted at considering his future with the national team. In a heartfelt statement, he confirmed his departure, reflecting on his tenure with pride and emotion.
“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honor 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. “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 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.”
During his tenure, Southgate transformed the England squad into a formidable force in international football. Despite not clinching a major title, his leadership saw England come close, including a quarter-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup and a narrow defeat to Italy in the 2021 Euros final.
England’s only World Cup victory dates back to 1966, but under Southgate’s management, the team consistently performed at the highest levels of international competition, restoring pride and hope among English football fans.
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