PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES
Two days after his club suffered a defeat by Spain in the 2024 European Championship final, England manager Gareth Southgate has resigned.
After losing to Italy on penalties at Wembley three years ago, the Three Lions suffered their second consecutive Euro final defeat on Sunday, losing 2-1 in Berlin.
In his eight years in charge, the 53-year-old managed his country to 102 games.
Later this year, his contract was due to expire.
“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England,” said Southgate.
“It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all. But it’s time for change and for a new chapter.”
Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham said the process to appoint Southgate’s successor has started, and “we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible.”
He added that the FA “has an interim solution in place if it is needed” and will not comment further on the process until a new boss is appointed.
England’s next match is against the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League on September 7.
Southgate is the only manager, bar 1966 World Cup winner Sir Alf Ramsey, to lead the England men’s team into a major tournament final.
He managed England at four major tournaments, also reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the quarter-finals in 2022.
In 25 tournaments since 1966 before Southgate took over in 2016, England won seven knockout games in total. Under Southgate, England won nine such matches.
Pressure mounted on him this summer, with many fans believing he was not getting enough out of a talented group of attacking players.
Some supporters threw plastic cups at him after the 0-0 draw with Slovenia in the final match of the group stage at Euro 2024.
However, he got many of them back on track with their final run.
“The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent, and they can win the trophy we all dream of,” added Southgate.
“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.”
The Prince of Wales, who is president of the FA, thanked Southgate 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 and scrutiny,” he added.
“And thank you for being an all-round class act. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved.”
Southgate, who replaced Sam Allardyce after his short-lived spell, won 61 of his 102 games in charge of England, drawing 24 and losing 17.
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