Gareth Southgate steps down as England manager

Gareth Southgate has left his role as England manager.

The news comes two days after England's Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.

"It's time for change, and for a new chapter," said Southgate.

The 53-year-old had been Three Lions boss for eight years and exits the role after a fourth major tournament in charge, saying playing and then managing his country "has been the honour of my life and meant everything to me".

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham says England aim to have to a new manager as soon as possible but that an interim boss will be in place "if needed" for the UEFA Nations League campaign, which begins against Republic of Ireland on Saturday September 7.

Bullingham said: "The process for appointing Gareth's successor is now under way and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible. We know there will be inevitable speculation, but we won't be commenting further on our process until we appoint."

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Southgate stepped up from the U21s to take charge of the senior side following Sam Allardyce's abrupt exit in September 2016 and guided England to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.

The former England defender then led his side to the final of Euro 2020 - which they lost on penalties to Italy at Wembley - before a quarter-final exit at the 2022 World Cup.

His final tournament in charge was this summer, as England were edged out 2-1 by Spain in the final. England became the first team in the history of the European Championships to lose consecutive finals.

Southgate's contract with the FA was due to expire at the end of this year, but ahead of Euro 2024, he admitted to German publication Bild the tournament would likely be his last if England did not lift the trophy.

Southgate's statement read in full: "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."

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham:

"On behalf of English football, I would like to pay tribute to Gareth Southgate and to Steve Holland for everything they have achieved.

"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 culture transformation has been unique. However, it is his record of winning tournament games which is most extraordinary.

"In the 25 tournaments post 1966 before Gareth took charge, we had won seven knockout games. In his four tournaments we have won nine. So, in his eight years, he has won more games that really matter than in the previous 50 years.

"We have had strong tournament performances throughout their tenure. We came so close to winning the Euros in London and securing the first trophy for our men's team for over 50 years - and came so close again in Berlin on Sunday.

"Before Gareth, our longest time ranked in the top five in the world was seven months. In his tenure we have been ranked there for six years.

"Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success. 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."

• September 2016 - Appointed England manager
• July 2018 - England reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 28 years but lose 2-1 to Croatia
• June 2019 - England reach the semi-finals of the inaugural Nations League but lose 3-1 to Netherlands
• July 2021 - England reach the final of the Euros for the first time but lose to Italy on penalties after a 1-1 draw
• September 2022 - England are relegated from the top tier of the Nations League after failing to win any of their six matches
• December 2022 - England are knocked out of the World Cup by France in the quarter-finals
• July 2024 - England reach the Euro 2024 final with dramatic knockout wins over Slovakia, Switzerland and the Netherlands - but lose to Spain in Berlin.