Gareth Southgate Steps Down as England Manager Following Euro 2024 Defeat

Gareth Southgate has officially departed from his role as England manager, a decision announced just two days after the national team’s loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Southgate, who took over the managerial position in 2016, led the team through four major tournaments during his eight-year tenure, achieving significant milestones but ultimately falling short of securing a championship. Under Southgate's leadership, England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, marking the team's first appearance in that stage in 28 years. He also guided the squad to the final of Euro 2020, where they faced Italy and lost in a penalty shootout at Wembley Stadium. However, the team’s performance at the 2022 World Cup was less impressive, culminating in a quarter-final exit. The recent defeat to Spain made England the first team in European Championship history to lose consecutive finals. Southgate's contract with the Football Association was set to expire at the end of 2024, but he had indicated prior to the Euro tournament that it would likely be his last if the team did not secure the trophy. His departure marks the end of an era for the Three Lions, who have not won a major men's tournament since 1966. The search for a new manager will now begin as England looks to rebuild and aim for future successes on the international stage.