S Poddar
After eight years at the helm, Gareth Southgate has resigned as England’s manager. Despite the Football Association’s hope for an extension following the team’s journey to the Euro 2024 final, Southgate has chosen to seek new challenges.
“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honor of my life to play for England and to manage England,” Southgate remarked. “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.”
Southgate, 53, stands out as England’s most successful manager regarding consistent major tournament performances. Under his guidance, the team reached the European Championship final in 2021, narrowly losing to Italy, and advanced to the World Cup semi-final in 2018, where they were beaten by Croatia. In the most recent World Cup, England was eliminated by France in the quarter-finals.
The Football Association is now looking at several potential successors, with Newcastle’s Eddie Howe, and former Chelsea managers Graham Potter, Thomas Tuchel, and Mauricio Pochettino among the top candidates. Howe has previously described the England job as “the ultimate” role and may be open to discussions if approached. England’s upcoming matches are against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in the Nations League in September.
“The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent, and they can win the trophy we all dream of,” Southgate said. “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.”
Southgate’s contract was set to expire in December, allowing time for reflection post-Euro 2024. However, he made it clear before the final against Spain that his decision would come swiftly.
Throughout the tournament, Southgate faced significant pressure, particularly following lackluster performances in the group stage and the last 16 against Slovakia. After a goalless draw with Slovenia in their final group match, Southgate endured boos and had empty beer cups thrown at him.
Southgate first took charge of England on a caretaker basis in September 2016 after Sam Allardyce’s sudden departure. He had hinted that his tenure would end if England did not triumph in Germany.
Having been with the FA since 2013, Southgate has admirers at Manchester United, although they recently extended Erik ten Hag’s contract. His only previous club management experience was with Middlesbrough from 2006 to 2009.
Other potential candidates for the England job include Lee Carsley, the England Under-21 manager, and former internationals Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. The hiring process will be overseen by the FA’s technical director, John McDermott, and chief executive, Mark Bullingham. Pochettino, who has a strong relationship with McDermott from his time at Tottenham, is also in consideration and has previously expressed a desire to manage England.
“Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success,” Bullingham stated. “He is held in the highest regard by the players, the backroom team, by everyone at the FA, and across the world of football. We are very proud of everything Gareth and Steve achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them. The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now under way.”
