England football manager Gareth Southgate announced his resignation on Tuesday (July 16), two days after his team’s defeat in the Euro 2024 final against Spain.

Southgate, who has been at the helm since 2016, has made significant achievements throughout his tenure including a World Cup semi-final and two European Championship finals.

But his management has faced considerable scrutiny, particularly during the early stages of the Euro 2024 championship, pointing to the team’s focus on defensive performances, which many believed did not fully harness England’s attacking potential.

In his final statement as England’s senior men’s manager, Southgate reflected on his journey with the team.

Full statement:

“As a proud Englishman, it’s been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It’s 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’s Men’s Manager, I’ve been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks. I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He’s one of the most talented coaches of his generation and has been immense. I’ve 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’m 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 provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I’m so grateful to them – the brilliant team behind the team. 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.”