Gareth Southgate has announced his decision to step down from his role as England manager following Sunday’s Euro 2024 final defeat.
Southgate’s near eight-year spell in charge of the Three Lions ended with a late 2-1 defeat to Spain in Berlin in what was their second successive European Championship final appearance under the 53-year-old.
His tenure also includes reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and quarter-finals in 2022, with the former Three Lions defender credited with dramatically changing the fortunes of the national team despite being unable to end 58 years of hurt.
Read our other sports news stories:
Wimbledon 2024: Alcaraz thrashes Djokovic to defend men’s title
James Anderson bows out in style as England thrash West Indies
Krejcikova to face Paolini in final after stunning Rybakina
He said in a statement: “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. 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.
After 102 games and almost eight years in charge, Gareth Southgate has announced he is to leave his role as manager of the #THREELIONS.
— England (@England) JULY 16, 2024
“I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks.
“The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of.
“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.”
The contenders to replace Southgate
Though tributes for Southgate from players, pundits and even the Royal Family are still pouring in, talk has quickly turned to who will succeed him in the hotseat.
The FA are tasked with finding the right man for the role Southgate held for nearly eight years, with just under eight weeks until the Three Lions kick off their Nations League campaign against Republic of Ireland on September 7.
Reports suggest the FA will, however, not rush into a new appointment, with an interim solution in place if a successor in time for their double-header with the Irish.
Graham Potter and Eddie Howe have emerged as the immediate frontrunners for the role, with the FA expected to hire another English boss.
Gareth, I want to thank you – not as the President of the @FA, but as an @ENGLAND fan.
Thank you for creating a team that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest in 2024. Thank you for showing humility, compassion, and true leadership under the most intense pressure… PIC.TWITTER.COM/FQ2YTO4EM6
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) JULY 16, 2024
That has also led to England Under-21s boss Lee Carsley’s name to be mentioned after leading the Young Lions to European glory last summer. The former Everton midfielder also looks to be the natural choice as interim if required.
But that has not stopped a host of exciting foreign coaches to emerge, with both Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel tipped as potential options.
Klopp appears unlikely option due to his plans to take a sabbatical after leaving Liverpool this summer.
Meanwhile, it is unclear whether Pochettino or Tuchel would move into international manager after departing respective roles with Chelsea and Bayern Munich in 2024.
Newcastle will ‘fight’ to keep Howe
The FA’s search has already been hit with it’s first stumbling block, with Newcastle quick to reveal their intentions to do everything they can to keep hold of Howe.
Multiple reports suggest the 46-year-old is on the FA’s list of successors after emerging as one of the brightest English coaches currently operating at the top level.
He has impressed on Tyneside since his appointment in 2021, guiding the Magpies into the Champions League in his first full season in charge before guiding them to seventh last term.
Newcastle CEO Darren Eales offered a robust reply when asked if the Toon would “fight” to keep hold of their man.
🗣️ A catch-up with our CEO, @DEALESNUFC.
⚫️⚪️ PIC.TWITTER.COM/VFQQODAKBO
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) JULY 16, 2024
“Yes, absolutely,” he said in a video posted on Newcastle’s X account.
“I don’t want to speak on hypotheticals so let me just step back and say, going into a new season, for us as a club Eddie has done a brilliant job.
“I wasn’t here at the start but when you look at it from the outside in terms of where the club was, to take a club that was in the position, 19th to eleventh at the end of that season and then to kick on into a Champions League spot the following season is phenomenal.
“For us, he is exactly the right man for the project we are on at Newcastle and that is why we are committed to a long term deal with him. That’s why we think he’s the right man for Newcastle. We love him.”
