LONDON, UK | Xinhua | England manager Gareth Southgate has resigned on Tuesday after the defeat in the 2024 Euro final on Sunday.
The Three Lions reached the Euro final back-to-back, but lost 2-1 to Spain on Sunday. Three years ago, they were beaten by Italy on penalties.
“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honor of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all,” said Southgate in a letter released on Tuesday. “But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.”
The 53-year-old Southgate has led the team to play 102 games in eight years in charge. During his reign, England also advanced into the semifinals at the 2018 World Cup and the quarterfinals at the 2022 World Cup.
“The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of. I am so proud of them, and I hope we get behind the players and the team at St. George’s Park and the FA who strive every day to improve English football, and understand the power football has to drive positive change,” he said. ■