July 16 (UPI) — England football manager Gareth Southgate has resigned following the team's defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, the English Football Association announced in a statement on Tuesday.
“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of a lifetime to play for and manage England,” Southgate wrote. “It means everything to me and I have given it my all. But now it's 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.”
The 53-year-old Southgate took over as England manager in 2016. England finished fourth at the 2018 World Cup and reached the quarter-finals in 2022. Southgate also led England to third place in the 2019 UEFA Nations League.
In the Euro final in Berlin on Sunday, midfielder Cole Palmer scored the equalizer in the 73rd minute against eighth-placed Spain, before striker Mikel Oyarzabal gave Spain the winner in the 86th minute.
England, ranked fifth in the world, also lost to Italy at Euro 2024 and finished second.
“I've had the honour of managing a great group of players over 102 games,” Southgate said, “all of whom have been proud to wear the three lions on their shirt and have served their country in many ways. The team I take to Germany is full of young, talented players and I'm sure we can win the trophy we all dream of.”
“I am incredibly proud of them and I hope everyone will support the players and team at St George's Park and the Football Association as they work every day to improve English football and understand that football has the power to effect positive change.”
Southgate previously coached Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship, the second tier of English football. He coached England's U-21 team from 2013 to 2016. He played for Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough between 1988 and 2006, playing as a midfielder and defender.
He also made 57 appearances for the England national team.
England are scheduled to face Ireland in a Nations League match in Dublin on September 7 at noon EDT.
