After lost EM-Final - Gareth Southgate returns as English national coach
Two days after the lost EURO Final against Spain, England's National manager Gareth Southgate announced his resignation. "As proud Englishman it was the honor of my life to play and train for England. It meant everything to me, and I gave it my best," Southgate stated in a communication from the English Football Association on Tuesday. "But it's time for change and a new chapter. The Final on Sunday in Berlin against Spain was my last game as England manager."
With the second place, the trophy drought that has long afflicted English football will be extended from 58 to at least 60 years. Southgate's contract was set to expire at the end of the year, but during the tournament there were harsh criticisms of the coach. After the Final at the Berlin Olympic Stadium on Sunday, he had not yet given any indication of his personal future. The English Football Association FA had signaled before the game against Spain and independently of the Final result, to continue working with Southgate until the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Gareth Southgate's tournament record is successful
Southgate's tournament record, who has been in office since September 2016, is extremely successful. In addition to reaching the Final in Germany, he also reached the EURO Final in 2021, the WM Semifinal in 2018, and the WM Quarterfinal in 2022. Only World Cup winning manager Alf Ramsey was more successful with the Three Lions.
Southgate had not extended his contract before the EURO. The criticism of him, also from many former professionals, had grown in the past years – even at this tournament it did not abate. The fans threw bottles at the trainer, the domestic experts and media were initially harsh, and the group stage for the team with numerous top players was extremely shaky. The mood shift came only after the convincing 2:1 against the Netherlands in the semifinal.
Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, and Frank Lampard are considered candidates for Southgate's successor
As candidates for Southgate's successor, Eddie Howe from Newcastle United, the former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, and the former world-class player Frank Lampard are considered. Argentine Mauricio Pochettino has also been mentioned several times. Ex-national player Gary Lineker brought Jürgen Klopp into the conversation, who after nine years at Liverpool takes a break from coaching.
After announcing his resignation on Tuesday, Gareth Southgate reflected on his time managing England with a sense of pride, stating that the EURO Final against Spain on Sunday in Berlin's Olympic Stadium was his last game as manager. Despite the harsh criticisms during the tournament, Southgate's successful record with England, including reaching the EURO Final, the WM Semifinal, and the WM Quarterfinal, has made him one of the most successful managers in the team's history. With the second-place finish, England's trophy drought will now extend at least another two years.
