Gareth Southgate has resigned as England football manager after an eight-year tenure during which he restored pride in the men’s national team following years of poor results, but ultimately failed to end the long wait for a big trophy.
The 53-year-old former England player said on Tuesday that it had been “the honour of my life” to hold the role, but that it was “time for change, and for a new chapter”.
His decision came after England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday.
Southgate, who became national team manager in 2016, is widely credited with transforming England’s fortunes after years of disappointment. He revolutionised the team culture, putting greater emphasis on resilience, teamwork and character, and brought in a more modern approach to data and sports science.
His record at major tournaments — back-to-back Euros finals, and a semi-final and a quarterfinal at consecutive World Cups — is the most consistent of any England manager.
Despite the sharp improvement in results at major tournaments under Southgate, the team’s performances have often divided fans. Critics have accused him of failing to get the best out of some of the world’s top players, and relying too much on individual moments of brilliance to win matches.
England went into Euro 2024 as favourites, but stumbled their way to the final thanks to two injury-time goals and a penalty shootout. The players were twice booed off the pitch as fans voiced their frustration at underpowered displays.
He also drew fire for his political views, as espoused in “Dear England”, his 2021 essay on patriotism. His vocal support for inclusive causes was described as “gesture politics” by some in the Conservative government. But he also inspired many, including playwright James Graham who penned a hit play about Southgate’s time as England manager, also called Dear England.
Since he was appointed to replace Sam Allardyce in September 2016, Southgate, whose contract ran until December, had managed the Three Lions in four major tournaments and through 102 games.
Following Southgate’s decision to step down, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer led the tributes, saying he had “shouldered the dreams of the country with dignity and honour” as England manager.
“Gareth also brought a deeper understanding of what the job means and represents. During turbulent times, he has been a thoughtful spokesperson on events far beyond football,” Starmer said.
Prince William, president of the Football Association, the sport’s governing body in England, said Southgate was a “class act” and thanked him for “showing humility, compassion, and true leadership under the most intense pressure”.
“Thank you for creating a team that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest in 2024,” he said in a statement.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said Southgate had “made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success”.
“We are very proud of everything Gareth and Steve achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them,” he added, in a reference to Steve Holland, team assistant manager and coach.
The FA said the process for appointing Southgate’s successor had begun and that it hoped to name a new manager as soon as possible.
The early favourites for the job include Graham Potter, who has been out of work since his disastrous spell in charge of Chelsea ended after just 31 games, and current Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe.
Another option would be to promote England Under-21s boss Lee Carsley. Southgate was also elevated from the U21 set-up when he became head coach in 2016; many of the young players he coached at youth level went on to play for him in the senior team.
