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Gareth Southgate has called time on his stint as England manager after eight years with the Euros final defeat on Sunday proving to be his final game in charge
Gareth Southgate has opted to step down as England manager after eight years following Sunday's defeat in the final of Euro 2024.
The former Three Lions international took charge in 2016 and has led England to successive finals at the Euros, but couldn't deliver the ultimate prize. He also masterminded England's route to a World Cup semi-final in his first major tournament back in 2018.
He's presided over a huge shift in the culture and perception of the national team and leaves behind an England squad bursting with talent as the likes of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka continue to flourish.
Upon confirming his departure he said: "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. 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."
Mirror Football will keep you up to date on the latest as England's search for a new manager begins.
Daniel Orme
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That's unfortunately all we have time for this evening.
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KEY EVENT
Kane sends Southgate message
Harry Kane has shared a touching message with Gareth Southgate following his England exit.
Taking to social media, he said: "Boss. Thank you for everything you have done for me and our country! You have been one of England’s greatest ever managers and it has been a pleasure to have served as your captain throughout.
"You helped our nation connect and believe in our team again. There have been so many highlights and we’ve made memories together that will last forever! Good luck with your next chapter and I’m sure we’ll see each other around. Thanks Boss!"
KEY EVENT
England qualify for Euro 2025
While one England side has been handed hurt at the Euros, the Lionesses now have a chance to defend their crown.
Sarina Wiegman's side have booked their spot at Euro 2025. They needed just a point against Sweden on Tuesday evening.
And that is exactly what they've got with a goalless draw against Sweden.
KEY EVENT
Man Utd reveal stance
Manchester United will NOT be moving for Gareth Soutgate following his England exit.
According to Mail Online, the Red Devils are ‘highly unlikely’ to move for Southgate even if Ten Hag is jettisoned should he endure a poor start to next season. The Dutchman’s future seems relatively secure at Old Trafford regardless.
Ratcliffe decided to stick with his services after a stringent review into Ten Hag’s position before offering him a new contract to stay with the Red Devils. There are current no plans to replace the former Ajax boss but even if that would be the case, ex Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel would likely be at the front of the queue having previously held talks with Ratcliffe in Monaco.
Daniel Orme
Ex-England boss to return
From one former England manager to another now with Steve McClaren set to return.
No, he's not taking charge of the Three Lions. According to reports, he is one of the candidates to take charge of the Nigerian national team.
Ivory Coast and Zambia AFCON-winning boss Herve Renard and Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet are also among the frontrunners.
Daniel Orme
FA make replacement decision
The FA will not limit their options as they search for Gareth Southgate's replacement.
As per Sky Sports, England chiefs are not restricting their search to just English or British managers. Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel are among the foreign names to have been suggested so far.
England have not had a foreign manager since Fabio Capello's stint in charge.
Daniel Orme
Carragher shares verdict
Sticking in Liverpool, former Reds star Jamie Carragher has also shared his thoughts on Southgate's exit.
Taking to Twitter, he said: "It's been a great ride for all involved over the last eight years. Two finals, semi final and a quarter final in Gareth Southgate's four tournaments is a very tough act to follow!"
KEY EVENT
Klopp backed for Three Lions move
"Ex-Liverpool star Didi Hamann believes that Jurgen Klopp could lead England to World Cup success in 2026.
"On paper, Jurgen Klopp is best placed to lead England to World Cup glory in 2026 because of what he did at Liverpool," Hamman told TopOffshoreSportsBooks. "He managed to win the Premier League and two Champions League titles, with the squad he had he did wonderful things.
"I think with the squad England have got now and also the age of the players, I think they'll be a force for the next two or three tournaments. Obviously the next World Cup is in two years' time. It's certainly something which could get England fans dreaming."
KEY EVENT
Newcastle respond to Howe calls
Newcastle have warned that England will have to pay up should they want to appoint Eddie Howe.
As quoted by the Daily Mail, Newcastle chief executive Darren Eales said: “It’s a multi-year deal and in those circ*mstances, like any employee from us, there will have to be compensation paid. We’re not looking to release Eddie for all the reasons I’ve spoken about.”
Daniel Orme
Shearer makes prediction
Alan Shearer has tipped the FA to hold talks with Eddie Howe after he was named as one of the candidates to replace Southgate.
He said: “Eddie Howe has done an unbelievable job at Newcastle and I am pretty sure he will be contacted. It is then up to him.
“Who could blame him when your country comes calling, it would be very difficult to. He will be very high on the FA's list.
“A major tournament victory won't be too long. I am pretty sure of that. We have a really good squad and they are now experienced. Hopefully they will use that over the next two years.”
Dan Marsh
Neville makes Southgate claim
Former England defender Gary Neville believes Gareth Southgate made his decision to step down as manager of the national team before Sunday's Euro 2024 final.
A 2-1 defeat to Spain at the Olympiastadion was Southgate's final game in charge, with the 53-year-old confirming his exit on Tuesday. He leaves having reached two finals, one semi-final and one quarter-final in his four major tournaments.
As the Football Association begins a search for the next England boss and players pay tribute, Neville has chimed in on his former international team-mate. After keeping an eye on Southgate's team throughout the tournament thanks to his broadcasting work, he has suggested the decision was made midway through the tournament in Germany.
Dan Marsh
Bullingham confirms appointment timeframe
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham has revealed there are plans to appoint Gareth Southgate's successor in the next few weeks.
He outlined a desire to make a decision before the start of the new Nations League campaign in September, saying: "The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now under way and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible. Our UEFA Nations League campaign starts in September, and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed."
Dan Marsh
ICYMI: Southgate's reign in numbers
So, now the curtain has been drawn down, what will the stats say about Southgate's England.
Well Kane was central to the goals, scoring more than anyone. He notched 61 times with Sterling (18), Rashford (16) and Bukayo Saka (12) the other men to hit double figures.
Kane was also the most-used player with Southgate giving him 81 caps - he wore the armband for 71 of those games. Walker was next with 70 appearances for Southgate, two more than Manchester City team-mate Stones and goalkeeper Pickford with Harry Maguire on 63.
England's biggest win under Southgate was a 10-0 thumping of San Marino. A 4-0 loss to Hungary was his heaviest defeat.
Dan Marsh
McDermott to lead FA search
Former Tottenham academy coach John McDermott will lead the Football Association's search for a new manager following Gareth Southgate's resignation.
Southgate, 53, announced on Tuesday morning that he would be standing down from his role after eight years. His decision, which was communicated in the form of a heartfelt statement, comes less than 48 hours after Sunday's devastating loss against Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Speculation over Southgate's future had been rife throughout the tournament with his contract up later this year and, as such, a number of potential candidates have already been touted. But it will be McDermott, the FA's technical director, who will be tasked with appointing England's next manager, as outlined by a report from The Telegraph.
Samuel Meade
Another fitting tribute
The man who wrote the BBC's opening montage for the final clearly has a way with words.
— James Graham (@mrJamesGraham) July 16, 2024We forget what it was like before
Gareth turned “once-in-a-lifetime”, into “see-you-next-time”. He changed the culture, prioritised decency, togetherness
He deserved to win. I wish he had . But the men’s team will now, soon, & it’ll be on top of what he built #garethsouthgate
Samuel Meade
Some more from Carragher, who wants Howe as boss
"I've seen the other three or four names that have been mentioned but Eddie Howe is the front-runner by a long way. He would bring what Gareth brings, in terms of dealing with the media - he's a very calm and collected individual.
"He's done two very good jobs at Bournemouth and Newcastle and that's something Gareth hadn't done. He's got pedigree, he's a fantastic coach, he's developed young players brilliantly and he's certainly more of an attacking coach.
"I think Eddie Howe is the best man for the job by a street"
Samuel Meade
Carragher - Southgate second only to Ramsey
He told Sky Sports: "Southgate's just behind Sir Alf Ramsey. Sir Alf won the trophy. There was debate before the game as to whether Southgate was the most successful manager. I don't agree with that, I think you've got to win the trophy and Sir Alf has already done that.
"When I look at other England managers that we look back on fondly like Terry Venables and Bobby Robson I always wonder what things would have been like if social media was about. When you look at what Gareth has achieved, he's achieved more than those two who are thought of so highly.
"What he's achieved puts him far ahead of any England manager bar Sir Alf Ramsey."
Samuel Meade
Gareth's first words
A throwback to Southgate's first words as England boss. It has been known as the 'impossible job' but the new man in the dugout didn't buy into that description.
He said: "I'd like an England team that excite the public and that supporters look forward to watching, and are proud of.
"I don't think any job is impossible. Some are more difficult and complex, this is one of those. It comes with great responsibility. I'm ready to embrace that."
Samuel Meade
"You can only do this job for so long"
Former England striker Alan Smith said on Sky Sports News: “He (Southgate) brought an enjoyment to the job, took the fear out of it to a certain extent. Players finally looked forward to joining up (with England) whereas before maybe they would be a bit reticent.
“He has proved it can be done, and obviously has had a fine group of players to do it with. My reaction is one of sadness that he has gone, because he is a fine individual, we all know that, but going on to the World Cup was perhaps a step too far given the nature of the performances (at Euro 2024), rather than getting to the final, which was a great achievement.
“The criticism he received, he clearly took that to heart and you can only do this job for so long – it wears you down and I think that has happened to Gareth. We can only thank him for what he has done for the national side.”
Samuel Meade
Pickford offers his thanks
Pickford - The Everton goalkeeper who has been England's No 1 under Southgate - said on Instagram: “I also want to say a special thank you to the boss for always believing in me during his time with us and I would like to wish him all the best in his next steps. Thank you Gareth.”
Samuel Meade
Keys delivers ruthless assessment of Southgate decision
Southgate should’ve gone after WC. He wasted 2 gilt-edged shots at Euros. Wembley was set up to win. Now we need someone to put fire into the bellies of these ‘nice’ players. Not a clone. Get Klopp. He’s the best out there.
— Richard Keys (@richardajkeys) July 16, 2024
Samuel Meade
Former FA chief offers advice on next manager
Mark Palios, the former FA CEO, insists simply taking the best manager from club football might not be the best move when deciding on Gareth Southgate's successor.
He was keen to underline the differences between club and international management with some managers more suited to one than the other.
He told BBC 5 Live: "It comes down to the best manager for the job. That is what you have to do. There is a difference between a successful club manager and doing it at international level.
"If you look at the job description it is massive. The diplomatic element to the job is important, it is not the overriding feature and they do get massive amounts of support behind the scenes. Choosing a manager straight from club football as they have been successful is not necessarily the thing that would make it work."
Samuel Meade
Lineker hails Southgate impact
Wishing Gareth Southgate all the very best in the future. He brought pride, respect and a togetherness to @England that we hadn’t seen for a long time. He was close, very close to footballing immmortality and he always did the job with humility, decency and dignity. Thank you,…
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 16, 2024
Samuel Meade
Maguire heaps praise on Gareth with touching message
Samuel Meade
The Southgate reign in numbers
So, now the curtain has been drawn down, what will the stats say about Southgate's England.
Well Kane was central to the goals, scoring more than anyone. He notched 61 times with Sterling (18), Rashford (16) and Bukayo Saka (12) the other men to hit double figures.
Kane was also the most-used player with Southgate giving him 81 caps - he wore the armband for 71 of those games. Walker was next with 70 appearances for Southgate, two more than Manchester City team-mate Stones and goalkeeper Pickford with Harry Maguire on 63.
England's biggest win under Southgate was a 10-0 thumping of San Marino. A 4-0 loss to Hungary was his heaviest defeat.
Samuel Meade
Royal approval
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 16, 2024Gareth, I want to thank you - not as the President of the @FA, but as an @England fan.
Thank you for creating a team that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest in 2024. Thank you for showing humility, compassion, and true leadership under the most intense pressure… pic.twitter.com/Fq2ytO4em6
Samuel Meade
The fan feeling
Given me some of the best memories of my life. Completely changed the narrative of supporting the national team and restored genuine optimism and belief. A pity he never got the trophy he deserved. Big shoes to fill. Thank you Gareth https://t.co/6KJ7KP0YuD
— James Whaling (@jjwhaling) July 16, 2024
KEY EVENT
Who's the favourite to take over as England boss?
Graham Potter: 6/4
Eddie Howe: 5/1
Lee Carsley: 11/2
Thomas Tuchel: 6/1
Mauricio Pochettino: 7/1
Jurgen Klopp: 14/1
Ralf Rangnick: 16/1
Frank Lampard, Pep Guardiola: 20/1
Jose Mourinho: 25/1
Odds provided by Betfair
Samuel Meade
Solutions in place for the future
The CEO of the FA also maintained, whilst keeping his cards close to his chest, that plans are in place for there to be an England manager in some capacity when they next play a competitive game.
He said: "The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now under way and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible. Our UEFA Nations League campaign starts in September, and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed."
Samuel Meade
England's upcoming games
Southgate might have moved on but football never stops. England have a Nations League campaign to prepare for, which includes the rarest of visits across the Irish Sea.
Here's their assignments for the rest of 2024..
September 7: Republic of Ireland vs England
September 10: England vs Finland
October 10: England vs Greece
October 13: Finland vs England
November 14: Greece vs England
November 17: England vs Republic of Ireland
