Prince William's gratitude - England-Coach Southgate hears: 'Honour of my life'
Shortly after announcing his retirement as England's National Team manager, Gareth Southgate received royal praise. "Gareth, I would like to thank you not as FA President, but as an England fan," wrote Prince William, FA President, on the platform X. "Thank you for building a team that is on par with the best teams in the world in 2024." However, it was not enough for England to win the title. Southgate takes the consequences.
Two days after the lost European Championship final against Spain (1:2), the 53-year-old announced, as expected, his departure as the England coach. "As a proud Englishman, it was the honor of my life to play for England and train England. It meant everything to me, and I gave my best," said Southgate in an FA statement. "But it's time for change and a new chapter. The final at the Berlin Olympic Stadium on Sunday against Spain was my last game as England coach."
A German successor?
Two days after the final at the Berlin Olympic Stadium on Sunday, Southgate had yet to give any hints about his personal future. The FA, however, had already signaled before the Spain game and independently of the final result that they intended to continue working with the former defender until the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Now, the FA must find a new coach for the first time in eight years.
Eddie Howe of Newcastle United, the former Chelsea trainer Graham Potter, and the former world-class player Frank Lampard, who has had little success as a coach so far, are mentioned as possible Southgate successors. Mauricio Pochettino was also named several times. Or will it be a German? Thomas Tuchel is also said to be a candidate. Former player Gary Lineker even mentioned Jürgen Klopp in the conversation, who, after nine years at Liverpool, wants to take a break from coaching.
102 games in eight years
Southgate took over as the England team's chief coach in 2016 and sat on the bench for 102 international games. Along with him, his co-trainer Steve Holland is leaving the FA. "In the last eight years, they have transformed the English men's team and created unforgettable memories for all those who love the Three Lions," FA CEO Mark Bullingham announced. "We look back on Gareth's tenure with great pride."
Former players, trainers, and players paid tribute to the departing coach. "Thank you, coach, it was a privilege to play for you," wrote defender Declan Rice on Instagram. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford expressed his gratitude. "I wish you all the best in your next steps. Thank you, Gareth."
Bullingham praised Southgate for player development. The coach had also brought about a cultural change in the team. "What is most impressive is his success record at tournaments," the FA boss said. In addition to reaching the final in Germany, Southgate also reached the European Championship final in 2021, the World Cup semifinal in 2018, and the World Cup quarterfinal in 2022. Only World Cup-winning coach Alf Ramsey was more successful with the Three Lions.
The title drought continues
However, with a second-place finish at the European Championship, the title drought that has long plagued English football will be extended from 58 to at least 60 years. Southgate had not extended his contract, which was still valid until the end of the year, before the European Championship. The public criticism of him had grown in recent years. During this tournament, the coach was even harshly criticized, including by former players.
The group stage was particularly chaotic for the team, which had entered with numerous top players. Some fans even threw bottles at the trainer in the stadium. Southgate reacted irritated, especially since England won the group. The mood shift came only after the convincing 2:1 against the Netherlands in the semifinal.
- Gareth Southgate's last game as England's coach was the UEFA Euro 2024 Finale at the Olympic Stadium Berlin on Sunday, against Spain.
- Despite receiving praise from Prince William and a successful run in European tournaments, Southgate decided to step down as England's manager two days after the tournament.
- The final match against Spain resulted in a 1:2 loss for England, adding to their ongoing title drought that now stands at 60 years in European football.
- Although Gareth Southgate had extended his contract until the end of the year, the public criticism and chaotic group stage performances during the UEFA Euro 2024 led him to make the decision to leave.
- In a statement, the FA CEO Mark Bullingham praised Southgate for transforming the English men's team, creating unforgettable memories, and for his impressive success record in tournaments.
- With his departure, the FA now has to find a new coach for the first time in eight years, as they intend to continue working with Gareth Southgate until the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Possible successors for Gareth Southgate include Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, Frank Lampard, and Mauricio Pochettino, as well as German candidates like Thomas Tuchel and Jürgen Klopp.
