The English Football Association Tuesday confirmed the resignation of Gareth Southgate the Three Lions manager, after their 2-1 loss to Spain in the final of the Euro 2024 Championship.
Southgate who played 57 times for England, had been in charge of the team for eight years and became the third manager after Walter Winterbottom (139 games) and Sir Alf Ramsey (113 games) to coached England over a long period.
His contract expired in December, but the FA wanted him to continue till next’s World Cup.
Southgate 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.
“I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games,” Southgate continued.
“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.
“The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of. I am so proud of them, and I hope we get behind the players and the team at St. George’s Park and The FA who strive every day to improve English football and understand the power football has to drive positive change.”
Southgate who took over from Sam Alardyce in 2016, coached England to two major finals in the 2020 and 2024 Euros. He also reached the semifinal of the 2018 World Cup and quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup.
Reports in England are already speculating that either former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola whose contract expires next year at Manchester City are the likely FA picks for the job.
