![Gareth Southgate looking dejected, as artwork - 'Time for a new chapter,' says Gareth Southgate on resigning as England manager – latest updates](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2024/07/16/TELEMMGLPICT000385788503_17211307741810_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqqVzuuqpFlyLIwiB6NTmJwfSVWeZ_vEN7c6bHu2jJnT8.jpeg?imwidth=680)
‘Time for a new chapter,’ says Gareth Southgate on resigning as England manager
![Gareth Southgate looking dejected, as artwork - 'Time for a new chapter,' says Gareth Southgate on resigning as England manager – latest updates](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2024/07/16/TELEMMGLPICT000385788503_17211307741810_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqqVzuuqpFlyLIwiB6NTmJwfSVWeZ_vEN7c6bHu2jJnT8.jpeg?imwidth=680)
Gareth Southgate has stepped down from his position as England manager and admitted that “it’s time for a new chapter”.
Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham confirmed that the search for Southgate’s successor is now under way.
As reported by Telegraph Sport, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe will be among the front-runners, with Graham Potter, Lee Carsley, Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel.
England lost the final of the European Championship to Spain, which proved to be Southgate’s final game in charge.
Confirming his departure, Southgate released an emotional statement that said: “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.”
Southgate communicated his decision to his England staff before the FA made the announcement on Tuesday morning. Southgate organised a mass video call for all staff to tell them that he would be stepping down.
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. Our Uefa Nations League campaign starts in September, and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed.”
Paying tribute to Southgate, Bullingham added: “On behalf of English football, I would like to pay tribute to Gareth Southgate and to Steve Holland [Southgate’s assistant manager] 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.
“We are very proud of everything Gareth and Steve achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them.”
Live reaction as it happened...
That’s all for our live coverage...
...but stay up to date with all the reaction to Gareth Southgate’s resignation throughout the afternoon with Telegraph Sport.
- England have to go for Eddie Howe – he is the front-runner by a distance
- No masterplan and few goals: Southgate’s England had run its course
- Next England manager odds: Who could replace Gareth Southgate?
- Gareth Southgate stayed true to his values until the end – history will look kindly on England manager
What next for....Southgate?
Interesting one this as all the attention will turn initially to the England vacancy but Southgate’s next stop is also intriguing. Club management appears the safest bet but with questions swirling about his tactical proficiency, you have to wonder whether a top Premier League club would roll the dice. He has been linked with Manchester United and would surely come back under consideration for the job at Old Trafford should Erik ten Hag’s side struggle at the start of the upcoming season.
Or maybe a return to punditry? Southgate was a regular in the ITV studio before taking the England job. That would certainly be a less pressure-filled option if that is what he is looking for.
Southgate’s Achilles’ heel
By Dan Zeqiri
One curiosity of Southgate’s tenure is his poor record in the Nations League. At the European Championship and the World Cup, Southgate’s win ratio is at least 50 per cent. In qualification for both tournaments, unsurprisingly, that win ratio rockets to around 80 per cent.
However, in the Nations League it was just 27.8 per cent with only five wins in 18 matches. England failed to win a game against Italy, Germany and Hungary in their last Nations League campaign.
‘It’s time for change’
Here is Gareth Southgate’s statement again for those that might have missed it:
“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.
![England's coach Gareth Southgate looks on ahead of during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group B football match between Wales and England at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan, west of Doha on November 29, 2022. Gareth Southgate said he is resigning as England manager on July 16, 2024 two days after they lost to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. "It's time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday's final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager," he said in statement](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2024/07/16/TELEMMGLPICT000385779273_17211284080820_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqpVlberWd9EgFPZtcLiMQf0Rf_Wk3V23H2268P_XkPxc.jpeg?imwidth=350)
“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.”
‘I’ll always respect him’
The words of Jude Bellingham in the immediate aftermath of England’s Euro 2024 loss to Spain: “I’ve got nothing but respect for Gareth giving me my debut in the squad, made me feel very at home.
“He is someone who, I think, in the last year or two as well, our relationship’s kind of gone a little bit past football, where I feel like I can open up to him a lot and I think that speaks volumes of the kind of man he is as well.
“I’ll always respect him. Sometimes the numbers and the kind of statistics, the records don’t lie, he’s been our most successful manager since 1966.
“He will always have my respect and my love.”
Debuts under Southgate
By Dan Zeqiri
Southgate gave 66 players their England debut, the first of which was Jesse Lingard against Malta in 2016 and the last Jarrad Brainthwaite against Bosnia and Herzegovina before this summer’s Euros.
A look through some of the names is a reminder of how difficult it is to establish yourself in the England squad: Harry Winks, Lewis Cook, Ainsley-Maitland Niles, Ben Godfrey and James Justin and others quickly fell off the radar.
Southgate: through the tournaments
2018 World Cup
![England manager Gareth Southgate celebrates after the match](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2024/07/16/TELEMMGLPICT000385778299_17211271698680_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqLqyfQGdl3mAr9NzcrvA2J7AocpkOWdStzj10K5gj2sM.jpeg?imwidth=350)
Euro 2020
![England manager Gareth Southgate celebrates reaching the final after the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match at Wembley Stadium](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2024/07/16/TELEMMGLPICT000263897350_17211273115060_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqKBkx3D4tD-fvTUq31gymGobQiNEMpA-de9d760iOKDQ.jpeg?imwidth=350)
2022 World Cup
![Gareth Southgate](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2024/07/16/TELEMMGLPICT000319342933_17211273768390_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqNvLtDx75wZSR0MSb26ou_49OoCA7EGA_6NgNaeYr5Yc.jpeg?imwidth=350)
Euro 2024
![England's manager Gareth Southgate celebrates at the end of a semifinal against Netherlands at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2024/07/16/TELEMMGLPICT000385207227_17211274559050_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqRo0U4xU-30oDveS4pXV-Vv4Xpit_DMGvdp2n7FDd82k.jpeg?imwidth=350)
Kane’s goal burden under Southgate
By Dan Zeqiri
When in comes to goal contributions, the burden carried by Kane during the Southgate era is quite staggering.
He scored 61 England goals under Southgate, more than the next five highest goalscorers combined (they were Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Harry Maguire and Jesse Lingard).
Kane provided 77 goals and assists, with Sterling and Rashford next with 31 and 19.
Sterling and Rashford were not part of England’s Euro 2024, but along with Kane were Southgate’s most reliable sources of end product.
Most-used players under Southgate
By Dan Zeqiri
Southgate’s skipper Harry Kane finishes as his most-used player with 73 starts and a total of 6,526 minutes.
He is followed by Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones and Harry Maguire as the only players to pass the 5,000-minute mark.
Kane featured in 49 England victories under Southgate, the most of any player.
Key quote to note
“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.”
The words of Mark Bullingham. Nothing more yet on what an ‘interim solution’ might look like should it be required. Stay tuned for updates.
Best since Ramsey?
There is certainly a very strong case to be made. Despite his winning percentage being lower than Sir Alf, Ron Greenwood, Fabio Capello and Glenn Hoddle, Southgate’s success at major tournaments surely gives him the edge...or at least puts him in a clear second place.
Had he seen victory in either of those Euros finals, the debate might well have been over.
The contenders
The question will quickly turn to who should replace Southgate. Click here for a full rundown of the leading contenders and for how the betting markets have reacted.
‘We will be forever grateful’
Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham: “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.
“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.
“We are very proud of everything Gareth and Steve achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them.”
Record at major tournaments
After taking the post in September 2016;, Southgate went on to have one of the most successful runs at England’s helm. A total of 61 wins from 102 games in charge does not tell the full story, with his achievements at major tournaments the biggest feather in his cap:
- World Cup 2018 – Semi-Finals
- Euro 2020 – Runners-up
- World Cup 2022 – Quarter-Finals
- Euro 2024 – Runners-up
Southgate 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’.
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.