Gareth Southgate Departs as England Manager: A New Chapter Unfolds

Gareth Southgate

Gareth Southgate announces his departure as England national team manager, expressing pride and gratitude for the opportunity to serve his country.

Gareth Southgate has revealed that he is stepping down as the manager of the England national team. Southgate, who has been at the helm since 2016, announced his decision with a heartfelt statement.

“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England,” Southgate said. “It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all. But it's time for change, and for a new chapter. I'm leaving my role.”

“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.”

The England football team's X account posted on social media, saying: “After 102 games and almost eight years in charge, Gareth Southgate has announced he is to leave his role as manager of the #ThreeLions.”

Southgate's team managed to equalize against Spain at the Euro 2024 final held in Germany but ultimately lost due to a late goal.

Gareth Southgate, 53, assumed the role of England manager in autumn 2016, marking the beginning of a remarkable tenure.

In 2018, he achieved a historic feat by leading the Three Lions to the World Cup semifinals in Russia, emulating Bobby Robson's accomplishment in 1990. Notably, they overcame Colombia in the round of 16, prevailing 4-3 in a penalty shootout, thereby breaking a curse of three consecutive World Cup exits on penalties.

Under Southgate's guidance, England continued to demonstrate their growth, reaching the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the final of Euro 2020, held at Wembley in 2021. Although they suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, losing on penalties, Southgate's leadership has been widely praised.

Following England's defeat to Spain on July 16, Southgate remained ambiguous about his future, indicating that he needed to engage in discussions with key stakeholders before making any decisions regarding his continued involvement as manager.

Southgate's tenure has been marked by notable achievements, including leading the team to the 2018 World Cup semifinals and the 2020 European Championship final. His dedication and passion for English football have earned him widespread respect.

Under his leadership, England has played 102 games, with an impressive record of:

- 64 wins

- 20 draws

- 18 defeats

- 65.2% win rate

Additionally, Southgate has guided the team to two major finals, although unfortunately, they did not result in trophy wins.

As the football community bids farewell to Southgate's managerial era, speculation about his successor has already begun. Who will take the reins and guide England into a new era of international competition? Only time will tell.

For now, we salute Gareth Southgate's service and contributions to English football. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of players and managers alike.