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Gareth Southgate Steps Down as England Manager After Losing Euro 2024 Final

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Gareth Southgate has resigned as England’s manager following their defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. The English Football Association (FA) confirmed his decision on Tuesday. Southgate’s contract was set to expire in December, but despite the FA’s interest in retaining him until the 2026 World Cup, he chose to step down after eight years in the role.

In a statement, Southgate expressed his pride and gratitude for the opportunity to manage and play for England. “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,” he 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.”

Southgate, 53, had a distinguished playing career with 57 appearances for England and led the team in 102 matches as a manager, ranking behind only Walter Winterbottom and Sir Alf Ramsey in terms of games managed. He took over as manager in 2016 and led England to significant achievements, including the 2018 World Cup semifinals, the Euro 2020 final, and the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals.

Starting with the FA as head of elite development in 2011, Southgate is credited with transforming the culture of the England squad and strengthening the connection between the team and its supporters. “I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games,” Southgate said. “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.”

Southgate emphasized his belief in the future potential of the squad, stating, “The squad we took 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 I hope we get behind the players and the team at St. George’s Park and The FA who strive every day to improve English football and understand the power football has to drive positive change.”

He concluded his message by expressing his enduring support for the team and fans. “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.”

The FA has begun the search for Southgate’s successor, with names like Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, and Mauricio Pochettino mentioned as potential candidates. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham praised Southgate’s contributions, saying, “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.”

The process for finding the new manager is underway, with an interim solution in place if necessary. The FA aims to appoint the new manager before the UEFA Nations League campaign begins in September.

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