England manager Gareth Southgate has decided to step down just two days after the team’s loss to Spain in the 2024 European Championship final.
The Three Lions suffered a 2-1 defeat in Berlin on Sunday, marking their second consecutive Euro final loss. They had previously been beaten on penalties by Italy at Wembley three years ago.
His contract was due to expire later this year after managing the Three Lions for 102 games over eight years.
“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 a new chapter.”
Gareth Southgate is only the second manager, after Sir Alf Ramsey, to lead the England men’s team to a major tournament final and has successfully managed the team in four major tournaments, achieving the semi-finals in the 2018 World Cup and the quarter-finals in 2022.
Football Association CEO Mark Bullingham has confirmed that the search for Gareth Southgate’s replacement has commenced. The aim is to quickly confirm the new manager before their next match and a Nations League encounter against the Republic of Ireland on September 7.