Gareth Southgate resigned from his role as England manager on Tuesday after yet another heartbreaking final loss at the European Championship, their second straight failure in the title decider of the continental tournament.
England lost 2-1 to Spain in the Sunday’s showpiece in Berlin, and the 53-year-old Englishman said after the game that he would discuss his future in charge of the national team.
“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,” Southgate said in a statement.
“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.”
Britain’s Prince William, who is also the president of the FA, thanked Southgate for his service.
“Thank you for creating a team that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest in 2024,” he said.
“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.”—Reuters