After eight long successful years, leading England in four major tournaments, and two finals, Gareth Southgate announced on Tuesday that he would be stepping down as England manager, citing it was “time for change.”
His final match in charge was a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Spain in the European Championship final on Sunday. Reflecting on his tenure, Southgate said, “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.”
Southgate’s departure comes as his contract nears its expiration this year, ending months of speculation regarding his future with the national team. Mikel Oyarzabal’s 86th-minute goal in Berlin marked a painful conclusion to Southgate’s impactful reign, during which he revitalized an underperforming England squad.
Appointed in 2016, Southgate guided England to consecutive European Championship finals and a World Cup semifinal in 2018. Despite his successes, he was unable to secure a major trophy, leaving England still waiting for its first since the 1966 World Cup.
Prince William expressed his gratitude on X, stating, “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’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.”
Ahead of the European Championship, Southgate had hinted that it would likely be his last tournament if England did not emerge victorious. Throughout the competition, he faced significant criticism, particularly following a 0-0 draw with Slovenia in the group stage, where frustrated fans threw plastic beer cups at him.
Despite these challenges, Southgate achieved historic milestones, becoming the first England manager to lead the team to two major finals, including one on foreign soil. Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the English Football Association, praised Southgate, saying, “Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success. He is held in the highest regard by the players, the backroom team, by everyone at the FA and across the world of football.”
Under Southgate’s leadership, England won nine knockout games, a notable improvement from the seven victories in knockout stages since 1966. The team also consistently ranked in FIFA’s top five for six years, a remarkable feat compared to its previous longest run of seven months.
The FA has already begun the search for Southgate’s successor. Southgate’s appointment in 2016 was initially seen as unconventional, following Sam Allardyce’s brief 67-day tenure. Prior to his national team role, Southgate’s managerial experience was limited to a three-year stint at Middlesbrough, though he earned respect within the FA for his work with England’s under-21 team.
During his tenure, Southgate guided England to the 2018 World Cup semifinal following early exits in Euro 2016 and the 2014 World Cup. He further cemented his legacy by leading England to the final of the Euros in 2021, only to be narrowly defeated by Italy in a penalty shootout.
In his final match, England was tied 1-1 with Spain before Oyarzabal’s late winner. Reflecting on Southgate’s impact, Bullingham remarked, “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.”
As England looks ahead, Southgate’s legacy of leadership and his profound impact on the national team will be remembered with great respect and admiration.
