Gareth Southgate has resigned as England manager after eight years in charge following their Euro 2024 final defeat against Spain on Sunday.
The Football Association made the announcement on Tuesday with the dust still settling on England's failure to win what would have been only their second major trophy – to add to the World Cup triumph in 1966.
The search now begins to replace a man who guided the national team to two successive European Championship finals, as well as the semi-finals and quarter-finals of the World Cup.
“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,” the 53-year-old said in a statement on the FA website.
“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.
“I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. 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's exit comes after what was a tough tournament for the former Middlesbrough manager, who came under fierce criticism for the team's apparent shortcomings in Germany, despite having some of the finest attacking talents at the finals in the likes of Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
They qualified for the knockout stages after finishing top of Group E despite struggling for form and fluency during the win over Serbia and draws with Denmark and Slovenia.
England needed a spectacular last-gasp overhead-kick from Real Madrid star Bellingham to avoid going out in the last-16 against Slovakia before Kane headed home what turned out to be the winner at the start of extra-time.
A similar pattern emerged in the next two rounds, starting with the quarter-finals when Saka's superb finish with ten minutes remaining took the match against Switzerland into extra-time before the team ran out 5-3 winners in a penalty shoot-out.
A last-minute winner from substitute Ollie Watkins earned them a 2-1 last-four win over the Netherlands but England's luck was to run out in the final when Spain secured a fourth Euro crown following a fully deserved victory in the German capital.
“The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of,” added Southgate in his statement. “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.
“My special thanks go to the back room 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.”
Spain 2 England 1 – player ratings
Southgate won 61 of his 102 games in charge of England, drawing 24, losing 17 and was the only manager bar 1966 World Cup winner Sir Alf Ramsey to lead the England men's team into a major tournament final.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham paid tribute to Southgate and his assistant Steve Holland for “having transformed the England men’s team, delivering unforgettable memories for everyone who loves the Three Lions”.
“In the 25 tournaments post 1966 before Gareth took charge, we had won seven knockout games,” he added. “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.
“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. Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success.”
Bullingham also confirmed the search is under way for Southgate's successor, with the likes of Eddie Howe, Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino and Lee Carsley all mentioned in the UK media as possible candidates.
“We aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible,” he added. “Our Uefa Nations League campaign starts in September [against the Republic of Ireland], and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed.”
England and Manchester City defender John Stones said: “He’s changed our culture within our team, which is extremely difficult with players coming from different club environments.To feel so comfortable within everyone’s company, on the pitch - the humility, the winning mentality.”
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford wrote on Instagram: “Completely gutted. This will hurt for a while. Appreciate everyone who supported us during the tournament and I’d like to thank all my teammates and staff for their work throughout.
“I also want to say a special thank you to the boss for always believing in me during his time with us and I would like to wish him all the best in his next steps. Thank you Gareth.”
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, a mainstay for Southgate, appearing in every game for England at the last three major tournaments, posted in an Instagram Story: “Thank you Gaffer. It’s been a privilege to play for England under your guidance.
“Memories that will stay with me forever. All the best in your next adventure.”
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, who missed out on a place in Southgate’s Euros squad after picking up a calf injury in April, wrote on Instagram: “You made us all believe again – memories that will last forever. Thankyou boss.”
The Prince of Wales also personally thanked Southgate in a message on social media.
Prince William, the heir to the British throne, who was at Sunday's final with son Prince George, posted: “Gareth, I want to thank you – not as the President of the @FA, but as an @England fan.
“Thank you 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.
“And thank you for being an all-round class act. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved. W.”
