Gareth Southgate will step down as England manager after eight years in charge, he said on Tuesday.
Southgate led England to the final of Euro 2024 – losing 2-1 to Spain on Sunday.
“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.
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Gareth Southgate has quit as England manager. Getty
“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 was appointed as manager in 2016 when the national team was in crisis.
At the 2014 World Cup under Roy Hodgson they were eliminated in the group stage for the first time since 1958.
Two years later they were bundled out in the round of 16 of the Euros, losing 2-1 to Iceland.
Hodgson was replaced by Sam Allardyce, who resigned after one match due to an alleged breach of FA rules.
Southgate replaced him and England finished fourth at the 2018 World Cup. England reached the Euros 2020 final but lost to Italy on penalties. At the 2022 World Cup, England lost to France in the quarter finals.
His final act was leading England to the Euros final against Spain.
“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,” Southgate said.
“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.”
Football Association CEO Mark Bullingham thanked Southgate for his contribution before confirming the search for a new manager has started.
“The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now under way and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible,” he said.
“Our Uefa Nations League campaign starts in September, and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed.
“We know there will be inevitable speculation, but we won’t be commenting further on our process until we appoint.”