Home Sports The Three Lions’ Head Coach Steps Down: Southgate’s England Legacy Ends Post-Euros

Sports

The Three Lions’ Head Coach Steps Down: Southgate’s England Legacy Ends Post-Euros

Gareth Southgate stepped down from his position as England manager on Tuesday, following a devastating loss in the European Championship final - the nation's second consecutive defeat in the showpiece event of the continental tournament.

Administrator

2 August, 2024

114

England suffered a 2-1 defeat to Spain in Sunday’s thrilling final in Berlin, and in the aftermath, 53-year-old Southgate announced his decision to step down as England manager.

“It has been an immense privilege to play and manage the country that I love, and it is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from the role,” Southgate expressed in an emotional statement.

“But all good things must come to an end, and I feel that now is the right time for a new chapter. The match against Spain in Berlin marked my final game as England’s manager.”

Southgate, a former England international with 57 caps to his name, took over the reins of the national team in 2016, following Sam Allardyce’s abrupt departure. During his tenure, Southgate guided England through 102 games, fostering a young and talented squad that rekindled the nation’s passion for international football.

His tenure witnessed England’s remarkable journey to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and an unforgettable run to the Euro 2020 final. The team’s success ignited a nation starving for international glory, with dreams of lifting the World Cup once again.

Although England fell short in the Euro 2024 final against Spain, Southgate’s impact on the team cannot be overstated. His tactical prowess and leadership transformed England into a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.

FA CEO Mark Bullingham praised Southgate’s unparalleled record, highlighting his ability to guide England deep into tournaments. “In the 25 tournaments post-1966 before Gareth took charge, we had won seven knockout games. In his four tournaments, we won nine. His impact on English football will forever be cherished.”

Soccer Football – 2018 World Cup – Quarter Final – Sweden vs England: England manager Gareth Southgate celebrates. Source: Reuters

A Legacy Forged: From Youth to Senior Team

Gareth Southgate’s journey with the England national team began long before he took the helm of the senior squad. His involvement with the youth sides laid the foundation for his successful tenure as manager.

Southgate, a former international with 57 caps, inherited an England team that had struggled to live up to expectations. The so-called “golden generation” of players had failed to make a significant impact on major tournaments.

However, Southgate’s vision and faith in young talent transformed the squad. He cultivated a core group of players who went on to capture the imagination of a nation, hungry for success on the international stage.

England’s journey under Southgate was nothing short of remarkable. They reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and came tantalizingly close to glory at Euro 2020, only to be denied by Italy in a heartbreaking final.

The team’s success under Southgate’s guidance ignited a passion for international football in England, with dreams of lifting the World Cup once again. Although they fell short in the Euro 2024 final against Spain, his impact on English football will forever be cherished.

Unrivaled Knockout Record and the Road Ahead

Gareth Southgate’s record of guiding England deep into tournaments is unparalleled among the nation’s managers. In the 25 tournaments post-1966 before his tenure, England won seven knockout games. Remarkably, in his four tournaments, they won nine.

FA CEO Mark Bullingham highlighted this remarkable achievement, stating, “In his eight years, he has won more games that really matter than in the previous 50 years.” This testament to Southgate’s impact on English football is undeniable.

As England bids farewell to Southgate, the search for his successor is already underway. Bullingham assured that the FA has an “interim solution” in place if a permanent replacement is not found before the Nations League campaign commences in September.