Gareth Southgate has stepped down as the head coach of the England men’s national football team, aged 53.
He made the announcement in a statement released on Tuesday, just days after England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Southgate’s resignation brings an end to his tenure as the Three Lions’ boss, following a disappointing finish to the European Championship.
“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,” the statement reads.
“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.”
England’s loss to Spain was the country’s second consecutive Euro final under Southgate. The Three Lions lost to Italy on penalties in the final of the previous Euro at the Wembley Stadium.
Although England progressed to the final of the just-concluded Euro, Southgate and his team were heavily criticised for their performance throughout the competition.
The team won just one game and drew two others in a group with Serbia, Slovenia and Denmark. England’s tournament was rescued in the second round by a late acrobatic equaliser from Jude Bellingham against Slovakia before Harry Kane scored the winner in extra time.
The Three Lions’ defeat of Switzerland required the panic of a penalty shootout, and only Ollie Watkins’ late winner helped them struggle past the Netherlands in the semi-final.
The coach was criticised for his pragmatic approach to games despite having a wealth of attacking talents that shone brilliantly for their respective club last season.
Southgate took charge of England in 2016 after initially replacing Sam Allardyce as an interim head coach. He managed England at four major tournaments, reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and quarter-finals in 2022.
