Crawley’s Gareth Southgate quits as England boss after agonising Euro 2024 defeat to Spain

GARETH Southgate has quit as England’s manager, saying it was “time for change” to make way for a new chapter in English football.

Southgate, who attended school in Crawley, led the Three Lions to the Euro final this year but lost to Spain. He also took the team to the Euro 2021 final but suffered a heart-breaking loss to Italy.

He garnered ubiquitous praise when he took England to the World Cup semi-final in 2018, a feat that the team had not been able to do since 1996.

Following that, the ex-manager helped England to the quarterfinal of the World Cup in 2022, losing to France.

Southgate said he was proud to have led the national team and thanked everyone for their support.

Among favourites to take over are former Brighton and Chelsea manager Graham Potter and current Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, who also managed PSG and Chelsea.

However, many believe the fact he is Argentinian could count against him, bearing in mind the history the two countries.

Southgate issued a statement: “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’.

Dear Gareth Southgate, we wish you all the best for the future and we hope you are proud of the past eight years and the adventures you took England on. Thanks for the memories, and thanks for giving the lions pride. #GarethSouthgate pic.twitter.com/8CB0L1ph5m

— All On The Board (@allontheboard) July 16, 2024

“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.”

Prince William, who is also president of the Football Association, shared his tributes of Southgate’s departure.

The Prince of Wales wrote on X: “Gareth, I want to thank you – not as the President of the Football Association, 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.”

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… pic.twitter.com/Fq2ytO4em6

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 16, 2024