Gareth Southgate, the transformative figure behind England’s recent footballing success, has announced his resignation as manager of the England men’s national team following his sides defeat on Sunday in the Euro 24 finals held in Germany. Alongside his trusted assistant, Steve Holland, Southgate has delivered unforgettable moments and instilled a renewed sense of pride in the Three Lions over the past eight years.
Since taking charge, Southgate has overseen a period of remarkable change and achievement. His tenure is marked by a series of historic accomplishments and a cultural transformation that has significantly influenced English football. Prior to Southgate’s leadership, England had won only seven knockout games in major tournaments since their 1966 World Cup triumph. Under his guidance, the team has won nine knockout games in just four tournaments, highlighting his extraordinary impact on the team’s performance in crucial matches.
Southgate’s tenure has been defined by strong performances in major tournaments. His England side reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, the final of the 2020 UEFA European Championship, and most recently, came agonizingly close to securing a major trophy in Berlin. These achievements have not only rekindled the nation’s passion for the Three Lions but also set new standards for future squads.
Beyond tournament success, Southgate’s England has enjoyed unprecedented consistency in the FIFA rankings. Before his arrival, the longest period England had been ranked in the world’s top five was seven months. Under Southgate’s stewardship, the team maintained a top-five ranking for six years, demonstrating sustained excellence at the highest level.
Southgate’s impact extends beyond the pitch. He has played a pivotal role in the development of players and the transformation of team culture. His approach has fostered a positive environment, earning him the highest regard from players, the backroom team, the Football Association (FA), and the global football community.
As the FA begins the search for Southgate’s successor, they aim to have a new manager in place as soon as possible, with the UEFA Nations League campaign starting in September. An interim solution is prepared if necessary, but the FA will not comment further on the process until an appointment is made.
Meanwhile, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham paid tribute to Southgate with a touching statement on Tuesday, saying:
‘On behalf of English football, I would like to pay tribute to Gareth Southgate and to Steve Holland for everything they have achieved.
‘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.
‘In the 25 tournaments post 1966 before Gareth took charge, we had won seven knockout games. In his four tournaments we have won nine. So, in his eight years, he has won more games that really matter than in the previous 50 years.
‘And of course, we have had strong tournament performances throughout their tenure. We came so close to winning the EUROs in London and securing the first trophy for our men’s team for over 50 years – and came so close again in Berlin on Sunday.
‘Before Gareth, our longest time ranked in the top five in the world was seven months. In his tenure we have been ranked there for six years.
‘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.
‘The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now under way and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible. Our UEFA Nations League campaign starts in September, and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed.
‘We know there will be inevitable speculation, but we won’t be commenting further on our process until we appoint.’
The entire English football community owes a debt of gratitude to Gareth Southgate and Steve Holland for their exceptional contributions. Their leadership has laid strong foundations for future success, making what was once deemed an impossible job not only possible but immensely rewarding.
Gareth Southgate’s legacy will be remembered with immense pride and respect, and his impact on the English game will be felt for many years to come.
