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Manager Gareth Southgate applauded the fans after England’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
CNN
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Gareth Southgate announced on Tuesday that he would be stepping down as manager of the England men’s national team.
His decision came two days later. England loses 2-1 to Spain in Euro 2024 final In Berlin.
This was the second consecutive European Championship final, Three Lions I had lost it.
Southgate spent eight years as England manager, managing the team in 102 games.
“As a proud Englishman, it is the honour of a lifetime to play for and lead England. It means everything to me and I have given it my all.” Said Southgate is 53 years old.
“But it is time for a change and the start of a new chapter. Sunday’s final against Spain in Berlin was my last game as England manager.”
Southgate has managed England in four major international tournaments, leading the team to the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2018 and the quarter-finals in Qatar two years ago.
England have won seven knockout matches in 25 international tournaments since winning the World Cup in 1966, before Southgate took over, and in the four he has managed. Three Lions We won 9 games.
Southgate has also been credited with instilling a positive atmosphere around the team after years of disappointing performances on the international stage since their last World Cup win 58 years ago.
But England’s style of play was heavily criticised at Euro 2024 in Germany, with some fans throwing plastic cups onto the pitch after a 0-0 draw with Slovenia confirmed the team’s place in the last 16.
However, as England progressed through the tournament, Southgate regained the favour of much of the supporters, particularly with his performances in the closing stages of games.
However, England were narrowly defeated by Spain in the final, becoming the first team to lose consecutive Euro finals.
“The squad we take to Germany is full of fantastic young talent and I believe they can win the trophy we all dream of,” Southgate said.
“I am incredibly proud of them and I hope everyone will support the players and team at St George’s Park and the FA in their efforts to improve English football every day and understand that football has the power to effect positive change.”
According to the Football Association, St George’s Park is the “home” of all 23 English national football teams.
Southgate added: “We have the best fans in the world and their support means everything to me. I’m an England fan and always will be.”
Southgate was appointed England manager in 2016 following the sudden departure of Sam Allardyce. He was a familiar face to many members of the senior national team, having previously managed the Under-21s from 2013 to 2016.
As England manager, Southgate won 62 of his 102 games.
Prince William, chairman of the English Football Association, thanked Southgate for all the work he has done as manager.
“Thank you for building a team that will compete alongside the best in the world in 2024,” Prince Charles said. I wrote to X“Thank you for demonstrating humility, compassion and true leadership under the most intense pressure and scrutiny.”
“And thank you for an all-round great performance. You should be very proud of what you’ve achieved.”
During his playing career, Southgate was a defender who played in the Premier League for Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough.
He won 57 caps as a player and is best known during his international career for saving the decisive penalty that cost England their job in the Euro 1996 semi-final against Germany.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “We are incredibly proud of all that Gareth and Steve have achieved for England and will be forever grateful to them.”
“Gareth has achieved the impossible and built a solid foundation for future success. He has the highest respect of the players, the backroom team, everyone at the FA and the wider football world.”
Bullingham added that the process of selecting a new England manager is underway.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
