Gareth Southgate has resigned as England manager and said it was time for a “new chapter” for the national team.
He announced his resignation in a statement from the Football Association on Tuesday morning after his team lost to Spain in the final of the 2024 European Championship on Sunday evening.
“As a proud Englishman, it was the honour of my life to play for and coach England. It meant everything to me and I gave it my all,” said Southgate.
“But it’s time for a change and a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my last game as England manager.”
Southgate took over in 2016 after the team’s ignominious European Championship exit to Iceland that summer and Sam Allardyce’s short tenure.
“I have had the privilege of leading a great group of players in 102 games. Every single one of them has been proud to wear the Three Lions on their shirt and they have brought honour to their country in many ways.
“The squad we have taken to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of. I am so proud of them and hope we support the players and team at St George’s Park and the English Football Association who strive every day to improve English football and understand the power of football to bring about positive change.”
“Thank you, England – for everything.”
England lost the final 2-1 to Spain on Sunday and Southgate said after the game he would discuss his future as national team coach.
England didn’t win the World Cup until 1966, but Southgate transformed the team after taking charge in 2016, making them a force to be reckoned with at tournaments.
They also reached the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, a year after losing to Italy on penalties in the European Championship final.