SOURCE: GOAL.COM
England suffered a painful 2-1 loss to Spain in Sunday’s showpiece event at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, leading to widespread speculation over Southgate’s future. The 53-year-old has now confirmed he is stepping down, bringing to an end his eight-year reign at the helm.
Southgate bid an emotional final goodbye to supporters in an official statement, which read: “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 English football association have also released a statement paying tribute to Southgate, who is walking away as the most successful manager in the national team’s history after 1966 World Cup-winning boss Sir Alf Ramsey.
Southgate took charge of 102 games for the Three Lions, recording 61 wins, 24 draws and just 17 defeats. His win percentage of 59.8 is the third best in England’s entire history, and he guided the team to two European Championship finals, with no other manager ever making it that far in the competition, while a World Cup semi-final appearance was also made in 2018. Despite not quite being able to end 58 years of hurt for his country, Southgate will go down as a legend of English football, and whoever comes in next will have huge shoes to fill ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America.