Gareth Southgate has decided to step down as England manager following defeat to Spain in a tightly contested Euro 2024 final in Berlin.
He announced his decision to quit in a statement issued by the Football Association on Tuesday morning.
“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,” he said. “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.””
Speculation has begun as to who will succeed Southgate, with Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola seen as the outstanding candidate. Guardiola is still contracted to the Premier League club but there is a feeling that he could become available next summer with the FA prepared to wait and see if he would be open to the role.
Follow all the latest reaction after Southgate’s decision and the FA’s pursuit of a new manager below:
Latest news as Gareth Southgate resigns as England manager
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Gareth Southgate steps down as England manager after Euro 2024 final defeat
The 53-year-old oversaw 102 matches, winning 61 and losing just 17 during his time in charge, becoming the first manager to lead England’s men to two major tournament finals.
Jack Rathborn16 July 2024 11:06
FA willing to wait for Pep Guardiola and could appoint interim England manager to replace Gareth Southgate
The Football Association would consider the idea of appointing an interim in order to try and coax Pep Guardiola as England manager if he does decide to leave Manchester City in 2025. While it is not the federation’s first choice to wait, the Catalan represents such an outstanding candidate that it would at least bring a re-assessment if there was any chance of getting him.
Mike Jones16 July 2024 20:33
‘Thank you, England’: Gareth Southgate’s statement in full as he explains resignation
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.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 July 2024 20:30
Predicting England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup after Euro 2024 final heartbreak
And Richard Jolly has also been looking at the future of England’s squad, which may look a little different by the time the 2026 World Cup rolls around…
Harry Latham-Coyle16 July 2024 20:10
Gareth Southgate was perfect for England – so can he adapt to club football?
Having been so ideally suited to the role of England manager, how Gareth Southgate handles his next job will be fascinating. Richard Jolly explores what the future may hold:
Harry Latham-Coyle16 July 2024 19:50
FA provides update on next England manager as Gareth Southgate resigns
Southgate announced on Tuesday (16 July) that he would not be continuing as England manager, following eight years in charge and a loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 July 2024 19:30
Gareth Southgate’s legacy will be joy he brought to watching England, says Miguel Delaney
The Independent16 July 2024 19:10
England highs and lows under Gareth Southgate
Gareth Southgate suffered European Championship final heartache again with a 2-1 defeat against Spain in Berlin and announced his decision to step down as manager on Tuesday.
England came up agonisingly short at the last hurdle for the second tournament running as Mikel Oyarzabal fired a late winner after Cole Palmer had cancelled out Nico Williams’ opener.
Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the highs and lows of Southgate’s reign.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 July 2024 18:50
Who should replace Gareth Southgate as England manager? Join The Independent Debate
Gareth Southgate has resigned as England manager, and speculation has already begun about who will take on his job.
Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and current Newcastle manager Eddie Howe have both been linked with the post in the aftermath of Southgate’s announcement.
Now we want to know if you think it was the right time for Southgate to step down. Who can lead England’s men to victory in the 2026 World Cup?
Join the conversation with other Independent readers below.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 July 2024 18:30
Who is Lee Carsley? England consider Under-21s boss as next manager to succeed Gareth Southgate
Southgate stepped down on Tuesday following the crushing defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024.
And speculation immediately spread with the Football Association assessing a number of options and eager to make a quick appointment.
Carsley, the England Under-21 manager, is perhaps the surprise candidate but the FA think highly of him.
Harry Latham-Coyle16 July 2024 18:10