After eight years in charge, Gareth Southgate has resigned as the manager of England. That Euro 2024 final heartbreak was his cue to go. The Football Association must now appoint another manager.
Interim Boss Plan
The FA have said they will appoint an interim manager if a replacement is not found within the next six weeks. Someone must take command before England’s following activity. This match is against Ireland in the Nations League on September 7.
On Tuesday morning, Southgate had made his mind up. It’s time for a change, he said. England, defeated by Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal, hits the goal that won them the game in the 86th minute.
Southgate’s Journey
Southgate became England head coach in September 2016. He managed 102 matches. He steered England to two European Championship finals and took them to the last four at the 2018 World Cup. Southgate had been out of contract in December.
He said, “It is time for a change of direction, and new leadership in England”. He and his coaching staff, including assistant Steve Holland, have left with immediate effect.
FA’s Statement
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham added, “The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is under way. We want to announce our new manager as soon as we possibly can. In September, we begin our UEFA Nations League campaign, and should it be required then an interim arrangement is currently in place. Yes, we expect speculation but won’t be saying anything more on our process until the vacancy is filled.”
Notably, Bullingham saluted Southgate as “Gareth has converted the impossible job into reality and built specific groundwork for more success”.
Players, backroom team and everyone else at the FA and as well as in football across the globe treat Hodgson with dignity or respect. Despite not reaching a final, both Steve and Gareth appeared in semi finals which remains an event to be remembered but I am very proud of all that the two men accomplished on behalf of their country.
Possible Replacements
The door is open to replace Southgate and suggestions of another name are already being bandied about. Favorite for the job is former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter. Mauricio Pochettino or Jurgen Klopp are also mentioned given they have no club at present.
Southgate’s Emotional Statement
In an emotional statement, Southgate confirmed the news. He said, “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honor of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has been my life, and I lived it. Well the time has come to turn the page and a new chapter over. My last game as manager of England was the final in Berlin against Spain on Sunday.”
He added, “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.”
Southgate’s departure marks the end of an era. The FA now has a big task to find the right person to lead England into the future. The next few weeks will be crucial as the search for the new manager begins.
