Gareth Southgate has resigned as England manager following their defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England,” said Southgate.
“It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.
“But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter.”
Chief executive of the Football Association Mark Bullingham stated that “we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible” and that the selection process for Southgate’s replacement has begun.
He added the FA “have an interim solution in place if it is needed” and will not comment further on the process until a new boss is appointed.
On September 7, England will play the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League.
With the exception of Sir Alf Ramsey, the 1966 World Cup winner, Southgate is the only manager to have guided the England men’s team to a major tournament final.
In addition to leading England to four major tournament victories, he led the team to the 2018 and 2022 World Cup semifinals.
Prior to Southgate taking control in 2016, England won a total of six knockout games in big tournaments that followed 1966. Nine such matches were won by England under Southgate, including two victories via penalty shootouts.
This summer, he came under increasing pressure from supporters who thought he was not getting the best performance possible from a gifted bunch of attackers.
Following the 0-0 stalemate with Slovenia in the last group stage match of Euro 2024, a few fans threw plastic cups at him.
But with their run to the final, he managed to bring many of them back.
“The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of,” added Southgate.
“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 Prince of Wales, who is president of the FA, thanked Southgate for “creating a team that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest in 2024”.
“Thank you for showing humility, compassion, and true leadership under the most intense pressure and scrutiny,” he added.
“And thank you for being an all-round class act. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved.”
After Sam Allardyce’s brief tenure, Southgate took over as England’s manager. He won 61 of his 102 games in charge, drew 24, and lost 17.
The former defender, who captained England for 57 times between 1995 and 2004, has been a part of the England squad since 2013. Before accepting the head position, he oversaw the under-21 team for three years.
From 2006 to 2009, he worked as a club manager just at Middlesbrough.
In his gratitude, Southgate mentioned assistant coach Steve Holland as “one of the most talented coaches of his generation” in addition to his players and coaching staff.
“I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football,” he added.
“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.”
Bullingham said Southgate had made “the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success”.
“We are very proud of everything Gareth and Steve achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them,” added Bullingham.
“Over the last eight years they have transformed the England men’s team, delivering unforgettable memories for everyone who loves the Three Lions.
“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.”
