Gareth Southgate's statement in FULL as he resigns as England manager following defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final... after almost eight years as Three Lions boss

Gareth Southgate announced his decision to resign as England manager on Tuesday following his side's heartbreaking defeat by Spain in the final of Euro 2024. 

The Berlin showpiece was the second major tournament final in four attempts under Southgate. The England men's national team had gone 55 years without such an occasion before he took over the reins in November 2016. 

But England's 2-1 loss to Spain saw them become the first nation to lose back-to-back European Championship finals and following the defeat, Southgate has decided to call time on his successful spell with the side.

In a heartfelt statement, he spoke of his pride to lead the nation, looked back at his many years of service as a player and a manager and thanked England fans for their support.  

'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.' His statement began. 

'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 managed England in 102 games and enjoyed a 59 per cent win percentage during his almost eight years in charge. 

Only Walter Winterbottom and Sir Alf Ramsey have managed the Three Lions in more games. 

The former Middlesbrough boss led the Three Lions to three major tournament semi-finals, including at the 2018 World Cup. 

Not only have England become a consistent force on the international stage under Southgate but the manager will also be credited with turning around the nation's record in penalty shoot-outs. 

England had won only one shoot-out in seven attempts before their euphoric last-16 triumph over Colombia in Russia. They followed it up with two wins against Switzerland, in the Nations League and in the quarter-final of this summer's European Championship. 

The one blemish on their record was the final of Euro 2020, when three missed spot-kicks afforded Italy the chance to claim the trophy at Wembley. 

The search will now commence for his replacement. On Monday, Mail Sport revealed that Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, Lee Carsley and Mauricio Pochettino among the early contenders

Howe’s work at Newcastle, and formerly Bournemouth, has been admired by technical director John McDermott and the Magpies boss is viewed as a strong candidate.

It is believed Howe is happy at Newcastle, but would consider any approach from the national team. Potter has been out of work since leaving Chelsea over a year ago and would be open to taking the England job.

Carsley is currently England Under-21 boss and would likely be interviewed for the role as the FA carry out their recruitment process.

Intriguingly, Pochettino would also entertain the opportunity to manage England having left Chelsea at the end of last season.

The FA would ideally prefer a homegrown coach to replace Southgate, but would not rule out appointing a foreign boss.