Gareth Southgate QUITS his role as England boss just days after losing Euro 2024 final as he prepares for 'new chapter' with FA now searching for their first manager in almost eight years

Gareth Southgate has resigned as England manager after the Three Lions' crushing 2-1 defeat by Spain in Sunday's Euro 2024 final.

Southgate, 53, was under contract until December but has decided to quit following after nearly eight years in the role.

He was permanently named England manager in November 2016 and guided the Three Lions through four major tournaments, twice leading his side to the European Championship final in 2020 and 2024.

Confirming his resignation on Tuesday, Southgate said: '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.

'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.

'I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.

'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 squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of. I am 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 have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant "team behind the team".

'We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I’m an England fan and I always will be. 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.'

Southgate took charge after a turbulent era of English football, after former Three Lions boss Sam Allardyce left the role by mutual consent in 2016, lasting just 67 days in the position.

Mail Sport reported on Monday that the Football Association were poised to begin a comprehensive search for Southgate's successor in the event of him stepping down, devising a shortlist of potential targets.

The five coaches on the FA's radar are Newcastle United's Eddie Howe, former Chelsea managers Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino and  England U21s boss Lee Carsley.

Following Southgate's resignation, the FA said: '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.' 

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham paid tribute to Southgate with a touching statement on Tuesday.

'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.

'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.'

Southgate nearly ended England's 58-year trophy drought in his final match in charge but fell narrowly short of glory after Spain's second-half substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scored an 86th minute winner in Berlin.

Cole Palmer came off the bench to inspire hope by cancelling out Nico Williams' opener early in the second half, netting a superb goal from outside the box in the 73rd minute.

Southgate almost tasted success three years early in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley, narrowly losing on penalties against Italy.

In his other two major tournaments - the 2018 and 2022 World Cup - the manager led England to the semi-finals and quarter-finals respectively. 

Southgate finished his tenure winning 64 of his 102 matches in charge, drawing 20 and losing 18 in total.

Tributes flooded in on social media following Southgate's resignation on Tuesday.

Prince William posted to X: '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 and scrutiny. And thank you for being an all-round class act. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved. W.'

Gary Neville, who previously worked as a coach in the England set-up prior to Southgate's arrival, said 'Thank you Gareth you did a great job.'

Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, who had been a stark defender of Southgate in the fallout from the final, posted: 'It’s been a great ride for all involved over the last eight years. Two finals, semi final & a quarter final in Gareth Southgate’s four tournaments is a very tough act to follow!'

Mail Sport's Chris Sutton added: 'Gareth Southgate is a class act and can leave his position as England manager with his head held high and with great pride with what he has achieved.'

MORE TO FOLLOW