Gareth Southgate LIVE: Reaction as FA prepared to wait for Pep Guardiola as England boss’ replacement
The Three Lions boss has opted to step aside and a new manager is now set to take over ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with Eddie Howe the early favourite to succeed him
Gareth Southgate has decided to step down as England manager following defeat to Spain in a tightly contested Euro 2024 final in Berlin.
He announced his decision to quit in a statement issued by the Football Association on Tuesday morning. “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,” he said. “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.”
Speculation has begun as to who will succeed Southgate, with Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola seen as the outstanding candidate. Guardiola is still contracted to the Premier League club but there is a feeling that he could become available next summer with the FA prepared to wait and see if he would be open to the role.
The likes of Englishmen Graham Potter and Eddie Howe have also been linked with the role, while Mauricio Pochettino is also considered to understand the culture around the national team by the FA, which is a trait they will target when appointing a replacement.
Follow all the latest reaction after Southgate’s decision and the FA’s pursuit of a new manager below:
Keir Starmer says Gareth Southgate brought back ‘hope and belief’
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hhas paid tribute to the departing Gareth Southgate, saying the manager had “shouldered the dreams of the country with dignity and honour”.
“Gareth’s time as England manager will be remembered for bringing back the hope and belief the country had been crying out for for so long,” Starmer said.
“He and his teams have given us so much. No-one will forget the run to the World Cup semi-final in 2018 or making our first two finals of the Euros. The wins over Germany and Denmark at Wembley in 2021 were utterly joyous, coming just as crowds were allowed back in after the dark days of Covid.
“Gareth also brought a deeper understanding of what the job means and represents. During turbulent times, he has been a thoughtful spokesperson on events far beyond football.
“He has been a mentor to our brilliant young talent. And at every step of the way, he has shouldered the dreams of the country with dignity and honour. I join with everyone today in saying thank you to both Gareth and his team for all they have achieved and for laying the foundations for future success.”
Kieran Trippier says England ‘gave everything’ at Euro 2024
Kieran Trippier insists England cannot use tiredness as an excuse for losing the Euro 2024 final to Spain.
Gareth Southgate’s side were beaten 2-1 in Berlin on Sunday night, suffering back-to-back defeats in European Championship finals as the 58-year wait for a major men’s trophy goes on.
After the loss, Southgate said he had a “few (players) that were a little bit short of their physical peak” and had been “battling” with that issue throughout the tournament.
Kieran Trippier says England ‘gave everything’ at Euro 2024
Gareth Southgate’s side were beaten 2-1 by Spain in Berlin on Sunday night.
‘Thank you, England’: Gareth Southgate’s statement in full as he explains resignation
Gareth Southgate was perfect for England – so can he adapt to club football?
Gareth Southgate’s final thought was the one that probably hurt the most. “It’s the last step we haven’t been able to do,” he reflected in his final answer as England manager. He had cited the achievements, a first final on foreign soil, two in consecutive European Championships, only one defeat in 14 matches – penalties excluded – in those two tournaments, but said: “In the moment, none of the matters.”
It was a clue. Southgate was a beaten man. He is not the first leader to reach the end in Berlin, but after eight years of dignified and devoted service, the best England manager of his lifetime – and he was born a couple of months after West Germany ejected his country from the 1970 World Cup – knew he wouldn’t join Sir Alf Ramsey in the pantheon of winners.
Gareth Southgate was perfect for England – so can he adapt to club football?
Southgate rebuilt the England men’s team and while he will now seek a major job in club football, his true calling may be a vital role within the Football Association to continue his work
When do England play next?
England’s first fixture in the post-Gareth Southgate era is set to be on September 7 as they begin their Nations League campaign against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.
Upcoming England fixtures
- September 7 - Republic of Ireland v England
- September 10 - England v Finland
- October 10 - England v Greece
- October 13 - Finland v England
- November 14 - Greece v England
- November 17 - England v Republic of Ireland
In pictures: Gareth Southgate’s career as England manager
Gareth Southgate has called time on his seven-and-a-half-year spell as England manager after suffering defeat by Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final.
Here, the PA news agency takes a look at his tenure in pictures.
In pictures: Gareth Southgate’s career as England manager
Southgate took charge in 2016 after Roy Hodgson’s successor Sam Allardyce made a swift exit.
Gareth Southgate’s legacy will be joy he brought to watching England, says Miguel Delaney
Our Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney has also been reflecting on Gareth Southgate’s time in charge on Sky Sports.
Gary Neville: Gareth Southgate did an ‘incredible job'
Gary Neville has heaped praise on Gareth Southgate for what the outgoing England manager achieved during his time in the role.
“He has achieved incredible things on the pitch, but he has also achieved incredible things off the pitch,” Neville said on Sky Sports News.
“How difficult it is to manage the politics of England, the media, the club-versus-country rivalries which existed - he has removed a lot of those barriers.
“He has handled penalties better than anybody, reduced the fear, so he has done an incredible job, but it will have taken a toll on him.”
Who is Lee Carsley? The surprise candidate to become next England manager
One of the less heralded names being linked with the England vacancy is Lee Carsley. Jack Rathborn profiles the former Republic of Ireland midfielder, who has already led an England side to major tournament success...
Who is Lee Carsley? The surprise candidate to become next England manager
The Under-21s manager is set to be considered for the senior role after turning down the chance to become the Republic of Ireland boss
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