July 16 – Two days after the heartbreak of losing the final of Euro 2024, England manager Gareth Southgate resigned today calling for a “new chapter” for the national team.
The most successful England manager since Sir Alf Ramsey, under whom England won their only senior men’s trophy – the 1966 World Cup – Southgate oversaw 102 England matches in a near eight-year reign, transforming the fortunes of the team with back-to-back Euro finals and a World Cup semi.
His contract was set to expire later this year but he pre-empted any talk of extending it in a passionate, heartfelt farewell statement declaring it was “time for change”.
“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 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.”
Euro 2024 was Southgate’s fourth major tournament in charge of England but arguably the toughest given all the expectations. He was heavily criticised for his team selections and style of play and even had empty beers cups thrown at him after the 0-0 draw with Slovakia.
Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick saved England in the round of 16, with Southgate seemingly seconds away from getting the sack, before captain Harry Kane scored the winner against Slovakia.
Five perfect penalties then saw off Switzerland in the quarter-finals while Ollie Watkins was the hero of the semi-final against the Netherlands.
Come the final, it was a step too far against a side that had won all of their previous six matches. Spain outplayed England but throughout the tournament there were concerns that Southgate had been unable to get the best out of a dazzlingly talented squad.
“The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of,” Southgate continued. “I am so proud of them, and I hope we get behind the players… and understand the power football has to drive positive change.
“My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.
“We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I’m an England fan and I always will be.
“I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can. Thank you, England – for everything.”
Despite the criticism levelled at Southgate – some of it justified, some not – he still has the best record of any English manager for over half a century.
But failing to get the current group to gel after being standout players in their respective domestic leagues ultimately did for him, his safety-first tactics consistently questioned despite England reaching a first final on foreign soil.
For all the debate about what he should or shouldn’t have done, his record of 61 wins, 24 draws and 17 defeats cannot be questioned and FA chief executive Mark Bullingham heaped gushing praise on him.
Southgate, he said, had “made the impossible job possible” and, along with assistant Steve Holland, had over eight years “transformed the England men’s team.”
Often when coaches step down, reaction from their bosses is restricted to a few words of courtesy and diplomacy. Not this time, an indication of the esteem in which Southgate was held by the FA
“We look back at Gareth’s tenure with huge pride – his contribution to the English game, including a significant role in player development, and in culture transformation has been unique. However, it is his record of winning tournament games which is most extraordinary,” Bullingham declared.
Summing up Southgate’s role in the hot seat, Bullingham pulled no punches when comparing him with previous incumbants.
“In the 25 tournaments post 1966 before Gareth took charge, we had won seven knockout games. In his four tournaments we have won nine.”
“So, in his eight years, he has won more games that really matter than in the previous 50 years.”
“And of course, we have had strong tournament performances throughout their tenure. We came so close to winning the Euros in London and securing the first trophy for our men’s team for over 50 years – and came so close again in Berlin on Sunday.”
And that wasn’t all in terms of a veiled riposte to Southgate’s critics.
“Before Gareth, our longest time ranked in the top five in the world was seven months. In his tenure we have been ranked there for six years,” Bullingham declared.
“Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success. He is held in the highest regard by the players, the backroom team, by everyone at The FA and across the world of football.
“We are very proud of everything Gareth and Steve achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them.”
So what now? Newcastle’s Eddie Howe is one name on everyone’s lips but the FA will take its time.
“The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now underway and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible,” said Bullingham. “Our UEFA Nations League campaign starts in September, and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed.
“We know there will be inevitable speculation, but we won’t be commenting further on our process until we appoint.”
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