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:
Latest news as Gareth Southgate resigns as England manager
- Gareth Southgate steps down as England manager after Euro 2024 final defeat
- Miguel Delaney: Gareth Southgate is right to go – England need a new chapter
- FA to appoint Southgate’s successor ‘as soon as possible'
- FA willing to wait for Pep Guardiola as England manager to replace Gareth Southgate
- Eddie Howe in the frame as England seek new manager
What next for England? Inside the FA’s process to replace Gareth Southgate
10:03
Mike Jones
The Football Association had a plan in place for Gareth Southgate’s departure months before Euro 2024, since it was widely expected, and there is a view in football that managers like Graham Potter have turned down other jobs in anticipation. But the reality of making decisions can be very different from the build-up.
The FA are now in that classic bind that comes with these situations where you’re replacing a figure so associated with a high-profile job. There’s what they can do, what they want to do and what they should do. Those aren’t necessarily all the same thing.
There is one priority that feels progressive but may prompt greater debate. The FA want a manager that has an appreciation for the culture of the English national team rather than just being English. Understanding the role is more important than nationality or even CV.
FA to appoint Gareth Southgate’s successor ‘as soon as possible’
09:50
Mike Jones
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.”
Full statement as Southgate resigns:
09:35
Mike Jones
“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England,” Southgate said in a statement. “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.”
Gareth Southgate steps down as England manager after Euro 2024 final defeat
09:20
Mike Jones
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.
FA willing to wait for Pep Guardiola and could appoint interim England manager to replace Gareth Southgate
08:50
Mike Jones
The Football Association would consider the idea of appointing an interim in order to try and coax Pep Guardiola as England manager if he does decide to leave Manchester City in 2025. While it is not the federation’s first choice to wait, the Catalan represents such an outstanding candidate that it would at least bring a re-assessment if there was any chance of getting him.
Gareth Southgate’s resignation was announced on Tuesday morning, just two days after the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, putting into action a long-prepared FA plan for his departure. The priority now is for a manager who understands the culture of the national team, which Guardiola fits into perfectly having spent eight years in England and supplied so many players. He has naturally been high on any ideal list, but the feeling was previously that it would be near impossible to get him out of City for such a job.
Sarina Wiegman ‘sad’ to see Gareth Southgate leave England role
07:50
Mike Jones
England women’s boss Sarina Wiegman admitted that she will be sad when Gareth Southgate departs his role as manager of the men’s team and claimed that the 53-year-old’s time with the national team was ’incredible’.
On Tuesday night, the Lionesses drew 0-0 away against Sweden to secure qualification for Euro 2025 where they will defend the title they won in 2022 under Dutchwoman Wiegman.
Earlier in the day Southgate announced his resignation as England men’s manager leading to ITV asking Wiegman if she would be as to see him leave.
Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola tipped to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager
06:50
Mike Jones
Jurgen Klopp has been tipped by Gary Lineker to succeed Gareth Southgate with the England manager departing after the crushing Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
The former Liverpool manager is currently out of work after walking away from Anfield to take a break from management.
The German was approached by the United States ahead of a World Cup on home soil in 2026, with Gregg Berhalter dismissed after a group stage exit from the Copa America, but quickly rebuffed the opportunity for talks.
England manager search begins as Gareth Southgate ends ‘extraordinary’ reign
05:50
Mike Jones
The search for an England manager to match or even beat the “extraordinary” achievements of Gareth Southgate is under way, with the Football Association not ruling out handing the job to a foreign coach.
Southgate called time on his near eight-year reign on Tuesday morning, saying it had been “the honour of his life” to play for and manage England but felt it was now “time for change and for a new chapter” after Sunday’s Euro 2024 final defeat.
Jude Bellingham and England players react to Gareth Southgate’s England resignation
04:50
Mike Jones
England players have paid tribute to Gareth Southgate after the manager stepped down from his role after eight years in charge.
Southgate resigned after England were beaten 2-1 by Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final in Berlin, a second heartbreaking final loss at the European Championship following defeat by Italy at Wembley three years ago.
The road to Berlin was not easy as England struggled to find the net and topped the group after scoring only two goals. Furious supporters hurled beer cups and insults at Southgate and, as his team selection was also questioned, he implored the fans to get behind the squad.
Gareth Southgate’s England tenure by numbers
03:50
Mike Jones
In all, Gareth Southgate took charge of 102 matches as England manager, winning 61, drawing 24 and losing 17. At major tournaments (the World Cup and Euros), Southgate‘s side won 14, drawn seven and lost five of 26 games for a 53.8 per cent win rate, scoring 44 goals and conceding 20.
England averaged 2.1 goals per game during his eight-year stint, while Southgate utilised 99 players. 66 debuts were handed out, with Harry Kane earning 81 caps as the manager’s most-used player.
Who will be the next England manager? Latest odds to replace Gareth Southgate
02:50
Mike Jones
Graham Potter, Eddie Howe and Jurgen Klopp are among those at the top of the bookmakers’ list of potential Gareth Southgate replacements:
Gareth Southgate’s England legacy is bigger than any trophy
01:50
Harry Latham-Coyle
A gentleman to his core, Gareth Southgate has always been willing to stop and speak, which was why it was so striking that he walked right out of Berlin’s Olympiastadion on Sunday without wishing to add any more to his official post-final press conference. He didn’t want to have to talk publicly about a decision he had already made. Southgate didn’t even need the few days he’d requested. He knew. The players, disappointed but understanding, also knew.
Memorable matches of Gareth Southgate’s eight-year England tenure
Wednesday 17 July 2024 00:50
Harry Latham-Coyle
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, the PA news agency picks out six memorable matches from Southgate’s eight-year reign.
Jude Bellingham and England players react to Gareth Southgate’s England resignation
Tuesday 16 July 2024 23:50
Mike Jones
England players have paid tribute to Gareth Southgate after the manager stepped down from his role after eight years in charge.
Southgate resigned after England were beaten 2-1 by Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final in Berlin, a second heartbreaking final loss at the European Championship following defeat by Italy at Wembley three years ago.
England manager search begins as Gareth Southgate ends ‘extraordinary’ reign
Tuesday 16 July 2024 22:50
Harry Latham-Coyle
The search for an England manager to match or even beat the “extraordinary” achievements of Gareth Southgate is under way, with the Football Association not ruling out handing the job to a foreign coach.
Southgate called time on his near eight-year reign on Tuesday morning, saying it had been “the honour of his life” to play for and manage England but felt it was now “time for change and for a new chapter” after Sunday’s Euro 2024 final defeat.
The FA had been keen for Southgate to stay on beyond his existing contract, which ran until December, but now must identify someone to build on Southgate’s impressive tenure which includes taking England to two Euro finals and the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.
Who are the contenders to be the next England manager?
Tuesday 16 July 2024 22:20
Harry Latham-Coyle
Lee Carsley
Former Derby and Everton midfielder Carsley has enjoyed significant success as England Under-21s boss, guiding his side to European Championship glory last summer. Birmingham-born, he won 40 senior caps for Republic of Ireland and, at 50, has a wealth of coaching experience with Coventry, Sheffield United, Brentford, Manchester City, Birmingham and England U20s.
Who are the contenders to be the next England manager?
Tuesday 16 July 2024 22:00
Harry Latham-Coyle
Mauricio Pochettino
A leading contender. A Premier League and Champions League runner-up with Tottenham and a Ligue 1 winner with Paris St Germain. Pochettino has an impressive CV, especially in England after winning admirers as Southampton boss. The 52-year-old also has a proven track record of developing young talent, with Cole Palmer at Chelsea a case in point before the Argentinian departed Stamford Bridge in June.
Who are the contenders to be the next England manager?
Tuesday 16 July 2024 21:40
Harry Latham-Coyle
Graham Potter
Potter, 49, had been on a steep upward trajectory before being sacked by Chelsea after less than seven months in April 2023. Currently out of work, he previously performed miracles in Sweden with Ostersund and steered Brighton to their highest Premier League finish, with Pep Guardiola describing the Seagulls’ progressive football as “a joy to watch, a joy to analyse”.
Who are the contenders to be the next England manager?
Tuesday 16 July 2024 21:20
Harry Latham-Coyle
Eddie Howe
The Newcastle boss, one of only three English managers in the Premier League next season, would be a popular choice. The media-savvy 46-year-old delivered Champions League football at St James’ Park for the first time in 20 years and twice guided Bournemouth to top-flight promotion with an attacking brand of football that England fans have been demanding.
Gareth Southgate is right to go – England need a new chapter
Tuesday 16 July 2024 21:00
Miguel Delaney
Gareth Southgate has decided his future. It was described as 50-50 before the Euro 2024 final, but after losing to Spain, the mood was naturally much gloomier.
FA willing to wait for Pep Guardiola and could appoint interim England manager to replace Gareth Southgate
Tuesday 16 July 2024 20:33
Mike Jones
The Football Association would consider the idea of appointing an interim in order to try and coax Pep Guardiola as England manager if he does decide to leave Manchester City in 2025. While it is not the federation’s first choice to wait, the Catalan represents such an outstanding candidate that it would at least bring a re-assessment if there was any chance of getting him.
Gareth Southgate’s resignation was announced on Tuesday morning, just two days after the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, putting into action a long-prepared FA plan for his departure. The priority now is for a manager who understands the culture of the national team, which Guardiola fits into perfectly having spent eight years in England and supplied so many players. He has naturally been high on any ideal list, but the feeling was previously that it would be near impossible to get him out of City for such a job.
‘Thank you, England’: Gareth Southgate’s statement in full as he explains resignation
Tuesday 16 July 2024 20:30
Harry Latham-Coyle
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’.
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.
Predicting England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup after Euro 2024 final heartbreak
Tuesday 16 July 2024 20:10
Harry Latham-Coyle
And Richard Jolly has also been looking at the future of England’s squad, which may look a little different by the time the 2026 World Cup rolls around...
Gareth Southgate was perfect for England – so can he adapt to club football?
Tuesday 16 July 2024 19:50
Harry Latham-Coyle
Having been so ideally suited to the role of England manager, how Gareth Southgate handles his next job will be fascinating. Richard Jolly explores what the future may hold:
FA provides update on next England manager as Gareth Southgate resigns
Tuesday 16 July 2024 19:30
Harry Latham-Coyle
The Football Association (FA) has begun the process of replacing Gareth Southgate after the England manager stepped down on Tuesday, and the organisation has said “an interim solution” is “in place if it is needed”.
Southgate announced on Tuesday (16 July) that he would not be continuing as England manager, following eight years in charge and a loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday.
Gareth Southgate’s legacy will be joy he brought to watching England, says Miguel Delaney
Tuesday 16 July 2024 19:10
The Independent
England highs and lows under Gareth Southgate
Tuesday 16 July 2024 18:50
Harry Latham-Coyle
Gareth Southgate suffered European Championship final heartache again with a 2-1 defeat against Spain in Berlin and announced his decision to step down as manager on Tuesday.
England came up agonisingly short at the last hurdle for the second tournament running as Mikel Oyarzabal fired a late winner after Cole Palmer had cancelled out Nico Williams’ opener.
Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the highs and lows of Southgate’s reign.
Who should replace Gareth Southgate as England manager? Join The Independent Debate
Tuesday 16 July 2024 18:30
Harry Latham-Coyle
Gareth Southgate has resigned as England manager, and speculation has already begun about who will take on his job.
Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and current Newcastle manager Eddie Howe have both been linked with the post in the aftermath of Southgate’s announcement.
Now we want to know if you think it was the right time for Southgate to step down. Who can lead England’s men to victory in the 2026 World Cup?
Join the conversation with other Independent readers below.
Who is Lee Carsley? England consider Under-21s boss as next manager to succeed Gareth Southgate
Tuesday 16 July 2024 18:10
Harry Latham-Coyle
Lee Carsley is a contender to replace Gareth Southgate to become the next England manager.
Southgate stepped down on Tuesday following the crushing defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024.
And speculation immediately spread with the Football Association assessing a number of options and eager to make a quick appointment.
Carsley, the England Under-21 manager, is perhaps the surprise candidate but the FA think highly of him.
Gary Lineker names manager he would like to replace Gareth Southgate at England
Tuesday 16 July 2024 17:50
The Independent
Newcastle chief says club will fight to keep Eddie Howe amid England speculation
Tuesday 16 July 2024 17:35
Harry Latham-Coyle
Newcastle will fight to hold on to Eddie Howe amid speculation linking him with the England job.
Howe is one of the bookmakers’ favourites to succeed Gareth Southgate, who announced he was standing down after almost eight years as national team boss on Tuesday morning.
However, Newcastle chief executive Darren Eales is determined to hold on to Howe, after confirming the 46-year-old had agreed a multi-year contract extension last summer.
Gareth Southgate’s England legacy is bigger than any trophy
Tuesday 16 July 2024 17:20
Miguel Delaney
A gentleman to his core, Gareth Southgate has always been willing to stop and speak, which was why it was so striking that he walked right out of Berlin’s Olympiastadion on Sunday without wishing to add any more to his official post-final press conference. He didn’t want to have to publicly talk about a decision that he had already made. Southgate didn’t even need the few days he’d requested. He knew. The players, disappointed but understanding, also knew.
Dear England writer James Graham thanks Southgate for bringing back ‘the joy’
Tuesday 16 July 2024 17:05
The Independent
Dear England playwright James Graham has said Gareth Southgate “brought the joy back” as he hailed the England manager for bringing about “a renaissance in the game.”
Southgate announced his decision to quit in a statement issued by the Football Association on Tuesday morning, following the team’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday night.
Graham’s hit play Dear England tells the story of the football manager and England’s journey to the 2022 World Cup, and is set to be turned into a BBC television drama.
Where could Gareth Southgate go next?
Tuesday 16 July 2024 16:50
Harry Latham-Coyle
Where could Southgate himself end up working next? The 53-year-old has been connected with Manchester United in the past, with the outgoing England manager thought to be well liked by the Ineos hierarchy. Erik ten Hag may have survived his post-season review, but a slow start to the next campaign could prompt the Old Trafford club to think again.
But Southgate’s qualities might be best suited to international football. There is every chance that the Football Association (FA) are keen to keep him in some capacity, perhaps overseeing the development pathway he has helped successfully revamp, but other nations may be interested. With their efforts to tempt Jurgen Klopp across the Atlantic rebuffed, could Southgate be on the radar of the United States as they gear up for a home World Cup in 2026?
Eddie Howe in line to be next England manager after Gareth Southgate resigns
Tuesday 16 July 2024 16:35
Miguel Delaney
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.
Watch Gareth Southgate’s first England press conference
Tuesday 16 July 2024 16:20
The Independent
Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola tipped to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager
Tuesday 16 July 2024 16:05
Harry Latham-Coyle
Jurgen Klopp has been tipped by Gary Lineker to succeed Gareth Southgate with the England manager departing after the crushing Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
The former Liverpool manager is currently out of work after walking away from Anfield to take a break from management.
The German was approa
