Gareth Southgate, the 53-year-old manager of the England national team, has officially resigned from his position following England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Southgate, who had been at the helm since 2016, led England to two consecutive European Championship finals (2021 and 2024), a World Cup semi-final (2018), and a World Cup quarter-final (2022).In his resignation statement, Southgate expressed gratitude for his tenure: ‘As a proud Englishman, playing and managing for England has been the pride of my life. I’ve given everything I could, but I think it’s time for change and a new chapter’. The Prince of Wales, who heads the English Football Association, accepted Southgate’s resignation, praising his ‘humility, compassion, and leadership under intense pressure’.Southgate’s departure comes amid criticism of England’s defensive and cautious play during the tournament. Jude Bellingham, a 21-year-old English football star, apologized to fans for not being able to ‘write history’ and deliver a win in the final.Meanwhile, Spain’s Euro 2024 victory celebration has sparked controversy. During a parade in Madrid, where thousands of fans welcomed the team home, some players, including Manchester City star Rodri, were heard chanting ‘Gibraltar is Spanish’. The Gibraltar Football Association has announced plans to file a complaint with UEFA, describing the chants as ‘unnecessary, discriminatory, and offensive’.UEFA has announced the symbolic team of Euro 2024, featuring six players from Spain’s national team. Despite reaching the final, only one England player, Kyle Walker, made the cut, surprising many fans.As the FA begins the process of selecting Southgate’s successor, potential candidates include Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, former Chelsea managers Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel, ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, and England U21 coach Lee Carsley.
Key points
- Gareth Southgate has resigned as England’s national team manager following their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
- Spain’s Euro 2024 victory celebration included controversial chants about Gibraltar, prompting potential UEFA complaint.
- UEFA’s symbolic team of Euro 2024 is dominated by Spanish players, with only one England player included.
Contradictions👾While most sources report Southgate’s resignation as a personal decision, one article suggests there were reports of friction between him and the players.
