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:
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher reacts to Gareth Southgate’s England departure
Memorable matches of Gareth Southgate’s eight-year England tenure
Gareth Southgate has stepped down as England manager, two days after his team suffered European Championship heartbreak once again with a second straight defeat in the final.
Spain were 2-1 winners in the Euro 2024 showpiece in Berlin, three years on from Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph on penalties at Wembley.
Here are six of the most memorable matches from his time in charge:
Memorable matches of Gareth Southgate’s eight-year England tenure
The former defender led England to the final of the last two European Championships.
Who will be the next England manager? Latest odds to replace Gareth Southgate
Graham Potter, Eddie Howe and Jurgen Klopp are among those at the top of the bookmakers’ list of potential Gareth Southgate replacements:
Who will be the next England manager? Latest odds to replace Gareth Southgate
A number of top managers are in the frame according to the bookmakers
Eddie Howe among candidates to be next England manager after Gareth Southgate resigns
The Football Association will prioritise a coach attuned to English football culture over nationality after Gareth Southgate stepped down as manager. The 53-year-old took a quick decision after a few days’ reflection and talks with senior executives, with the association starting the search for a new boss.
Eddie Howe, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and under-21 manager Lee Carsley are among those currently at the top of the list. Jurgen Klopp would be a consideration, but is not currently interested in returning to the game, having flatly refused an offer from the United States.
Eddie Howe in line to be next England manager after Gareth Southgate resigns
The Newcastle United boss is one of a number of candidates to take over ahead of the 2026 World Cup
‘Thank you, England’: Gareth Southgate’s statement in full as he explains resignation
Gareth Southgate’s departure statement in full can be read below as he brings his England tenure to an end after eight years in charge:
‘Thank you, England’: Gareth Southgate’s statement in full as he explains resignation
The manager said it was time for ‘a new chapter’ as he walked away from England after eight years
FA to appoint Gareth Southgate’s successor ‘as soon as possible'
Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the FA, has confirmed that work to appoint a successor to Gareth Southgate is already underway, with an “interim solution” also a possibility.
“On behalf of English football, I would like to pay tribute to Gareth Southgate and to Steve Holland for everything they have achieved,” Bullingham 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 culturetransformation has been unique.
“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.”
Gareth Southgate hails players after stepping down as England manager
“I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland,” Southgate says of his long-time lieutenant. “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.”
Gareth Southgate steps down as England manager
Gareth Southgate has released a statement confirming that he will be stepping away, declaring it “time for change and a new chapter.
“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England,” Southgate said. “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.”
Gareth Southgate steps down as England manager after Euro 2024 final defeat
Gareth Southgate has stepped down as England manager after Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
Southgate’s tenure comes to an end after nearly eight years in charge, guiding England to four major tournaments.
The 53-year-old oversaw 102 matches, winning 61 and losing just 17 during his time in charge, becoming the first manager to lead England’s men to two major tournament finals.
But defeats to Italy in 2021 and Luis de la Fuente’s superb Spanish side in Berlin on Sunday left Southgate without a trophy to show for a transformative stint.
Gareth Southgate steps down as England manager after Euro 2024 final defeat
Southgate has elected to step down after defeat to Spain in Berlin
Sarina Wiegman offers Gareth Southgate advice over England future decision
Sarina Wiegman said it took her three weeks to get over England Women’s World Cup final defeat, as she insists Gareth Southgate’s future is for him to decide.
England’s men’s team lost to Spain in the Euros final in Germany 2-1, while the women’s team were beaten in the 2023 World Cup final, also at the hands of Spain.
Gareth Southgate’s future is in the balance, and it remains unclear whether he will decide to stay in charge of the national side following the defeat.
“Devastated for them, especially knowing some of them personally as well,” Lionesses captain Leah Williamson said.
Sarina Wiegman offers Gareth Southgate advice over England future decision
Lionesses boss Wiegman revealed how long it took her to get over England’s World Cup final defeat to Spain
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