Gareth Southgate Steps Down as England Manager Following Euro 2024 Final Loss

Gareth Southgate announced his resignation as the manager of the England men’s national football team on Tuesday, just two days after the team’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final held in Berlin. The 53-year-old expressed his deep commitment to the role, stating, “It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all,” but emphasized that it was time for a change and a new chapter in his career. Under Southgate’s leadership, England experienced a notable turnaround, winning nine knockout games in four international tournaments, a significant improvement compared to the seven wins in the previous 25 tournaments since the 1966 World Cup victory. He is credited with fostering a positive atmosphere within the team, which had struggled for decades on the international stage. Southgate urged fans to continue supporting the players and the Football Association in their efforts to enhance English football. Prince William, the president of the English FA, publicly thanked Southgate for his contributions, acknowledging him as a “class act.” Southgate’s playing career is remembered for a pivotal moment in Euro 1996, where he missed a decisive penalty against Germany, leading to England's elimination. The FA’s CEO, Mark Bullingham, praised Southgate and his assistant, Steve Holland, for their achievements, stating that Southgate had made “the impossible job possible” and laid a strong foundation for future success in English football.