Gareth Southgate has announced that he has stepped down as England manager after almost eight years and 102 games in charge.
The 53-year-old leaves his post after becoming the first manager in history to lose back-to-back European Championship finals, as the Three Lions went down 2-1 to Spain in Sunday's Euro 2024 showpiece in Berlin.
Southgate - who said before the tournament that he would likely leave his post if England under-performed at the Championships - also led his nation to a runners-up finish at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament, as Italy prevailed on penalties at Wembley.
No other England men's manager had taken the Three Lions to multiple major tournament finals, but Southgate failed to emulate Sir Alf Ramsey and the 1966 World Cup triumph, prolonging decades of hurt on the senior men's game.
The ex-Middlesbrough head coach was under contract with the FA until the end of the calendar year, although the governing body were supposedly keen for him to lead England to the 2026 World Cup regardless of the result of Sunday's final.
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Southgate admits it is "time for change" after Euro 2024 failure
However, in an emotional message to England supporters on Tuesday, the Three Lions boss confirmed that he would be bidding farewell to the national team, admitting that it is "time for change" after coming so close yet so far to major tournament glory.
"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," Southgate wrote.
"I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men's manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks.
"I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense. 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.
"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.
After 102 games and almost eight years in charge, Gareth Southgate has announced he is to leave his role as manager of the #ThreeLions.
— England (@England) July 16, 2024
"My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant 'team behind the team'.
We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I'm an England fan and I always will be. I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can. Thank you, England – for everything."
Following Sam Allardyce's ill-fated one-match reign, Southgate - who had previously taken charge of the Under-21s - stepped into the hotseat on a four-game interim basis in 2016, before being given a permanent contract after an impressive start.
The 53-year-old subsequently led England to their first men's World Cup semi-final since 1990 in Russia, before magical runs to the finals of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, although both showpiece matches ended with the Three Lions being left crestfallen.
Southgate departs with an overall record of 61 wins, 24 draws and 17 losses from 102 matches in charge, being just the third man - after Ramsey and Walter Winterbottom - to take charge of 100 games for the Three Lions.
Southgate makes the right decision and commands nothing but respect
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When Spain substitute Mikel Oyarzabal tapped home the Euros-clinching goal at the Olympiastadion on Sunday evening, there was an acceptance that Southgate had taken England as far as he could.
The ex-Three Lions international inked his FA contract in 2016 aiming to write a redemption arc, 20 years on from fluffing his lines from the spot at Euro 96, and he should undoubtedly be regarded as the second-best England men's manager that the nation has ever seen, only behind Ramsey.
Amid a constant stream of naysayers hitting out at Southgate's perceived negative tactics, staunch loyalty to players under-performing at their clubs and so-called 'easy' major tournament runs, the charismatic 53-year-old built a legacy that few coaches could have dreamed of.
For too long, England were not given a sliver of hope of a deep run at the Euros or World Cup, despite the exceptional talent at their disposal. With Southgate at the helm, the nation was allowed to dream again.
Whether Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino or a wild card candidate steps into Southgate's shoes remains to be seen, but his successor will have an extremely tough act to follow, and it only seems right that the now ex-England boss is anointed Sir Gareth.
![England manager Gareth Southgate pictured on June 30, 2024 [IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1 "England manager Gareth Southgate pictured on June 30, 2024 [IMAGO]")
