England boss Gareth Southgate has stepped down from his role after nearly eight years in charge (Image: Getty)
Gareth Southgate has decided to step down as England manager after nearly eight years in charge. The Three Lions boss has taken the decision to resign from his role just three days after the agonising 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin.
The 53-year-old was appointed in October 2016 following the sacking of Sam Allardyce and took England to back-to-back finals at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024. He also guided the Three Lions to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018.
Jamie Carragher has given a detailed explanation on why he believes England should avoid appointing a foreign manager, even if Jurgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola wanted the job.
"We don't need a foreign manager, we've done it before. I was involved in those times with Sven and Fabio Capello. It wasn't great," Carragher told Sky Sports News.
"[It's] not a pass to what Gareth Southgate's done and Gareth Southgate had no pedigree in management before he got the job. I think that tells you in itself that it's not about going out and getting the best manager in club football.
"Club football is completely different to international football. Spain have just won the tournament with a coach that no one really knows, [...] I'm not a big believer that you have to go and get a Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp to make a difference.
"If you look at the Champions League, Guardiola doesn't win every year even though he's the best manager and has the best team. Things can go awry, things can happen. You need a lot of luck to win a tournament in knockout football.
"We're England and we should be having an English coach, for me, international players is more about the players than it is about the manager.
The UK prime minister Keir Starmer has written a letter to Gareth Southgate for "laying the foundations for future success" for the England team.
Some nice words from the Labour Party leader. Read the full letter below:
I join with everyone today in saying thank you to both Gareth Southgate and his team for all they have achieved and for laying the foundations for future success. pic.twitter.com/H2sEW6i5NA
Harry Maguire was one of the unfortunate players to miss out on Euro 2024 due to injury, but the England defender wasn't going to miss out on the chance to thank Gareth Southgate.
The Manchester United centre-back won all of his 63 caps under Southgate after making his debut in 2017, scoring seven goals.
One of those came at the 2018 World Cup against Sweden. And the 30-year-old clearly cherishes those memories after staying at home this summer.
"You made us all believe again - memories that will last forever. Thankyou boss," Maguire said in an Instagram post.
Despite the fact he is German, Hamann also believes that Klopp's achievements at Liverpool and connection with English football means it would be possible for him to win over the fans.
“Years ago it would have been hard to imagine a German manager in England but the chances have never been better than it’s going to happen in the next few months," Hamann added.
“On paper, Jurgen Klopp is best placed to lead England to World Cup glory in 2026 because of what he did at Liverpool. 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.”
Ex-Liverpool footballer Dietmar Hamann has predicted the Football Association will approach Jurgen Klopp about succeeding Gareth Southgate as England boss.
Klopp left Liverpool in June after nearly nine years in charge and is currently taking time out of the game. But Hamann, 50, thinks the Three Lions could make their move for Klopp and possibly Thomas Tuchel as well.
“Jurgen Klopp wants to take a year off and the German national team manager role is taken, but I’m pretty sure England will approach Klopp," Hamann told TopOffshoreSportsBooks.
“I think a lot of people would be very happy if he were to take over the national team. He said he’s taking a sabbatical so is it possible to wait for six months or maybe let him take over next summer?
“There are a few qualifiers but qualifying has always been pretty comfortable for England. I think they will ask him whether he wants to do it and then it’s up to him whether he would accept it or not, Thomas Tuchel might be interested as well."
Gary Lineker gives his take on Southgate's farewell with a typically classy message to the outgoing England boss.
"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 immortality and he always did the job with humility, decency and dignity. Thank you, Gareth."
Wishing Gareth Southgate all the very best in the future. He brought pride, respect and a togetherness to @England that we hadn\u2019t 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,\u2026
Gary Lineker threw his weight behind a surprise name to take over from Gareth Southgate, with the England boss confirming that he will be stepping down after defeat in the Euro 2024 final against Spain.
The BBC host was one of several pundits to criticise the Three Lions' lack of ambition in Germany, despite reaching the final. During the tournament Lineker claimed Frank Lampard should be a candidate to take over.
"I wouldn’t disregard Frank Lampard. I think he tactically gets it," Lineker said on The Rest is Football podcast.
"I think the players will respect him immediately. I’m getting ahead of things here. If you’re going to go English, you go… who else? Eddie Howe? Eddie Howe, possibly?
"I think he’s [Lampard] been a bit unlucky in his managerial career in some ways. I think he gets it tactically."
Declan Rice is the first member of the England squad to react to Southgate's exit.
The Arsenal midfielder, who made his debut under Southgate in 2019, paid homage to the departing England boss.
"Thank you gaffer it's a been a privilege to play for England under your guidance," Rice said on Instagram. "Memories that will stay with me forever. All the best in your next adventure."
Prince William sends touching message to Southgate
Prince William, the Prince of Wales and president of the Football Association, has sent a heartwarming message to Gareth Southgate.
The 42-year-old royal was in Berlin to watch the final and the pair have been on good terms through Southgate's reign. Now, he has sent him a letter of gratitude for his services to England.
"Gareth, I want to thank you - not as the President of the @FA, but as an @England fan," William wrote.
"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 and scrutiny.
"And thank you for being an all-round class act. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved. W."
Gareth, 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\u2019s finest in 2024. Thank you for showing humility, compassion, and true leadership under the most intense pressure\u2026 pic.twitter.com/Fq2ytO4em6
\u2014 The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 16, 2024
Stars from all around the UK - not just football and sport - have been reacting to Southgate's decision to step down.
Former Manchester United and England footballer Gary Neville was the first to react to Southgate's departure, tweeting on X: "Thank you Gareth you did a great Job."
His Sky Sports MNF colleague Jamie Carragher wrote: "It’s been a great ride for all involved over the last eight years. Two finals, semi final & a quarter final in Gareth Southgate’s four tournaments is a very tough act to follow!"
Former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson also paid tribute on social media: "Thank you Gareth Southgate for the incredible memories you’ve given us all over the last 8 years!"
And from another sport entirely, ex-England rugby icon Matt Dawson said: "Loads of justified criticism for his tactics but deep down Southgate is an amazing guy. We should never forget what he's done for this country over the last eight years. He has made all of us believe again. If we win the World Cup, the foundations will have been laid by him.
“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 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.
“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.”
The FA have revealed they have begun the process to find the next England manager.
Eddie Howe, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino are believed to be the frontrunners for the role, with Thomas Tuchel, Frank Lampard and a host of alternative names also linked.
The FA's chief executive Mark Bullingham also added there is an "interim solution" in place should they struggle to appoint a new head coach in the coming months.
"The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now underway and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible," Bullingham said.
"Our UEFA Nations League campaign starts in September and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed."
The Football Association have paid tribute to Gareth Southgate after confirming the England boss has stepped down from his position.
In a statement released on Tuesday, it was confirmed that the 53-year-old would depart after nearly eight years in charge.
It read: "After 102 games and almost eight years in charge, Gareth Southgate has announced he is to leave his role as manager of the Three Lions."
Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the FA, added: "On behalf of English football, I would like to pay tribute to Gareth Southgate and to Steve Holland for everything they have achieved.
"Over the last eight years they have transformed the England men’s team, delivering unforgettable memories for everyone who loves the Three Lions. We look back at Gareth’s tenure with huge pride.
"His contribution to the English game, including a significant role in player development, and in culture transformation has been unique. However, it is his record of winning tournament games which is most extraordinary."
Good afternoon and welcome to Express Sport's LIVE coverage following the announcement that Gareth Southgate has stepped down from his role as England boss.
Stay tuned for all of the reaction as soon as we get it.
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