Gareth Southgate has left his role as England manager, the national team has announced on social media.
England's official social media account tweeted: "After 102 games and almost eight years in charge, Gareth Southgate has announced he is to leave his role as manager of the #ThreeLions.
It shared a statement from Southgate himself, which read: "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.
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"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.
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"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.
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"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."
Southgate's England record had the team winning 61 of the 102 games he managed, and he reached two finals in the four tournaments he steered the Three Lions through.
England under Gareth Southgate
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Southgate has arguably been our most successful manager since the great Sir Alf Ramsey.
He restored national pride and made people want to watch and support England again.
In his first tournament, the men's team reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, their best performance since 1990, though they lost 2-1 after extra time to Croatia.
England again got to a semi-final in 2019 in the UEFA Nations League, however, lost out to the Netherlands 3-1.
And in Euro 2020 (played in 2021), the Three Lions made their first major final since 1966 but sadly lost to Italy on penalties.
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Despite progression, there has been plenty of criticism for Southgate's 'conservative tactics', with some believing that he has held the current group back from their full potential.
The players wanted him to stay
“I know for a fact the lads would love him to stay on until 2026 - there is no doubt about that,” Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice said.
“The way he looks after us, how calm he is, how he is as a man-manager, how he is on the training pitch with us, he’s top.
“None of us have spoken to him about it, that’s none of our business. Whatever he wants to do, whatever makes him happy, I’m sure he’ll make the right decision.
“But I’m sure he’s got the backing of everyone to stay.”
Next England manager odds
According to SkyBet, the odds for the next permanent England manager are as follows:
- Graham Potter - 1/1
- Eddie Howe - 5/2
- Mauricio Pochettino - 4/1
- Jürgen Klopp - 10/1
- Lee Carsley - 14/1
- Frank Lampard - 16/1
- Pep Guardiola - 20/1
- Steven Gerrard - 28/1
- Gary O'Neil - 33/1
Additional words by Anish Vij
Topics: Gareth Southgate, Sport, Football
Joe Harker