Southgate steps down as England Manager

Gareth Southgate has resigned as manager of England just two days after defeat by Spain in the 2024 European Championship final.

The Three Lions lost 2-1 in Berlin on Sunday night - their second consecutive Euros final defeat, having been beaten by Italy at Wembley three years ago.

Spain opened the scoring in the Olympic Stadium through Nico Williams, only for substitute Cole Palmer to draw England level.

With the game looking as though it was heading for extra time, Spain struck late on when Mikel Oyarzabal latched onto a cross from Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella to fire past Jordan Pickford.

It means England’s wait for a first major trophy since their 1966 World Cup victory continues - and in the aftermath it was Southgate, 53, who decided time was up on his England managerial career.

"As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England," said Southgate, managed his country for a total of 102 games in eight years. "It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all. But it's time for change, and for a new chapter."

Southgate is the only manager bar 1966 World Cup winner Sir Alf Ramsey to lead the England men's team into a major tournament final.

He managed England at four major tournaments, also reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and quarter-finals in 2022.

In the major tournaments between 1966 and Southgate taking over in 2016, England won six knockout games in total. Under Southgate, England won nine such matches, including two penalty shootout victories.

"The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of," added Southgate. "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."

Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham said the process to appoint Southgate's successor has started and "we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible".

England's next match is against the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League on 7 September.

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