Gareth Southgate has announced his resignation as England’s manager after eight years in the role.
Despite the Football Association’s hopes for an extended contract following his leadership to the Euro 2024 final, Southgate has opted to pursue new challenges.
“It has been the honour of my life to play for and manage England,” Southgate stated. “I have given it my all, but it’s time for a change and a new chapter. Sunday’s final against Spain in Berlin was my last game as England manager.”
The 53-year-old leaves behind a legacy as England’s most successful manager in terms of consistent major tournament performances. Under his guidance, England reached the European Championship final in 2021, losing to Italy and a World Cup semi-final in 2018, where they were defeated by Croatia. In the most recent World Cup, the team was eliminated by France in the quarter-finals.
Potential successors include Newcastle’s Eddie Howe, former Brighton and Chelsea manager Graham Potter and former Bayern Munich and Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel. England’s upcoming Nations League fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in September add urgency to the FA’s search for a new manager.
Southgate’s decision comes after a period of intense scrutiny during the Euros, with poor performances in the group stage and last 16 against Slovakia. Following a 0-0 draw with Slovenia, Southgate faced significant public and media pressure, understanding the challenging environment created around him.
Appointed as England manager on a caretaker basis in September 2016 after Sam Allardyce’s abrupt departure, Southgate had hinted his tenure would end if England did not secure victory in Germany. His tenure at the FA began in 2013, with his only club management experience being with Middlesbrough from 2006-2009.
Other potential candidates for the position include former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley, and former England internationals Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. The selection process will be overseen by FA’s technical director, John McDermott, and chief executive, Mark Bullingham.
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