The FA have announced that Gareth Southgate has left his role as England manager, following the 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024.
He managed 102 game over his eight years in charge, making him the longest serving Three Lions manager since Sir Bobby Robson, who held the role between 1982 and 1990.
During his reign, he has defied expectations, reaching the semi-final and quarter-final in his two FIFA World Cup campaigns, while also achieving an incredible feat by reaching back-to-back UEFA Euro finals - the only England manager to ever do so.
He inherited a team in 2016 who had just been knocked out by minnows Iceland at the previous tournament, and were being labelled as Europe's laughing stock, yet Southgate reached more finals than all other England managers combined.
Only Sir Alf Ramsey ever went one step further.
Although his final tournament was met with tactical criticism and overshadowed by a small number of supporters booing and throwing cups at him, Southgate had built a fantastic bond between the fans and the players. He has allowed the chance for both match-going supporters and those watching on from the TV to make thrilling memories, which they will cherish for a lifetime.
From the corner routines and shootout win in Russia in 2018, to the atmospherical London streets in 2021. The smashing victory over Iran in Qatar and finally, the extra time win over Slovakia, the penalty shootout victory against Switzerland and Ollie Watkins' winner against the Netherlands, he has single-handedly completed a full transformation of the national team.
In a tribute to one of the nation's greatest, FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham thanked Southgate, and his assistant Steve Holland, for "transforming the England men’s team" and "delivering unforgettable memories for everyone who loves the Three Lions."
Bullingham further added: "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."
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Southgate addresses supporters
In an open letter to fans, Southgate says 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."
"But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final was my final game as England manager."
He continued by mentioning that he was "determined to improve English football" when he first joined the Football Association, and he has certainly done a fantastic job at that.
During his thirteen years in the national setup, Southgate has risen to the very top of the tree, having initially joined as an Academy Manager in 2011. Just two years after, he became the under 21 manager, where he earned himself the role with the senior team in 2016, after Sam Allardyce was dismissed having managed just one game.
He gave debuts to over sixty players over his eight year reign, including the likes of Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham, who are now regular stars in the starting lineup, with the latter two having crucial roles in the run to the final at this summer's tournament in Germany, despite below-par performance for the majority.
Southgate closed off his letter by saying: "We have the best fans in the world and their support has meant the world to me. Thank you England - for everything."
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Mark Bullingham, FA Chief Executive:
"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.
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."
There is simply no denying that Southgate is one of, if not the greatest Three Lions manager of all time, despite his failure to deliver a trophy. He boasts the highest win percentage for a manager who has been in the post for over fifty games, winning 61 of his 102 matches (59.8%).
Bullingham: "The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now under way and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible."
He also confirmed "there is an interim solution in place," with England's next competitive games coming in the UEFA Nations League in September.
Former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, and Newcastle United's Eddie Howe have both already been touted as potential candidates to succeed Southgate, although the FA are refusing to comment on any speculation at the current time.
