Gareth Southgate has left his role as England manager following the team’s Euro 2024 final defeat against Spain, the English Football Association (FA) confirmed on Tuesday.
Under his stewardship, England reached the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the final of Euro 2020 (played in 2021), and the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar before this latest run to the final of Euro 2024 in Germany.
“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England,” Southgate said in a statement on the Football Association’s website. “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 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.”
England won eight knockout games during Southgate’s tenure — all other managers of the men’s national team in history have won a combined nine.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham paid tribute to Southgate and his assistant Steve Holland in a separate FA statement.
“On behalf of English football, I would like to pay tribute to Gareth Southgate and to Steve Holland for everything they have achieved,” he said. “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.
“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. We are very proud of everything Gareth and Steve achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them.”
Southgate took over the role on an interim basis in September 2016 after Sam Allardyce was sacked, before becoming the full-time manager later that year.
The FA will now begin its search for a new head coach who will lead the team in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Bullingham said the FA is aiming to “have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible,” but added that there is an interim solution “if it is needed.”
England’s next game is against Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Nations League on Sept. 7.
