Gareth Southgate leaves the job as the second most successful manager in the history of the England men's national team, but there have been a number of experiences where he has come close to managing another.
The 53-year-old manager stepped down two days after England's yet another disappointing defeat in the Euro 2024 final to Spain, deciding it was time for a “new chapter”.
The mild-mannered manager Southgate has transformed England from decades of underachievement into a consistently powerful team on the international stage.
He also rebuilt the team culture and broke down the barriers that existed between players from rival clubs in camp.
But despite leading a talented squad, he was ultimately unable to end the country's long wait for a major trophy since Alf Ramsey's 1966 World Cup triumph.
Humiliation. Southgate took charge of a struggling England side after a string of humiliations both on and off the pitch.
A dismal defeat to Iceland at Euro 2016 brought a suitably depressing end to Roy Hodgson's reign, while his successor, Sam Allardyce, lasted just 67 days and one game in charge before being sacked following a newspaper undercover investigation.
Despite having little experience as a top-level manager, Southgate has won the trust of previously sceptical fans with his incredible run to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The shy boss has also become a fashion icon in his home country after sales of his trademark vests soared.
He followed up that incredible feat by leading England to their first major final in 55 years at the COVID-delayed 2021 European Championships, where England lost to Italy on penalties.
England lost to eventual finalists France in the quarter-finals in Qatar in 2022, but there were still positive signs that a young and exciting team is heading in the right direction.
Southgate's side were favourites to win Euro 2024 but it has been a rollercoaster of emotions for the manager, who went from having beer glasses hurled at him to coming close to winning in Berlin.
England were only sporadically cohesive as a team, but produced enough individual moments of brilliance to reach the final.
Jude Bellingham's bicycle kick magic late in added time in the round of 16 win over Slovakia meant Southgate was set to play his 100th game as manager against Switzerland.
But it also served as a reminder of the quality of players he is able to command.
A team featuring Real Madrid's Bellingham, Bundesliga top scorer Harry Kane and Premier League Player of the Year Phil Foden ultimately proved to be less than the sum of its parts.
The pain of a penalty. “It has been the honour of a lifetime to play for and manage England,” Southgate said in his resignation statement on Tuesday.
“We all want to be loved,” he acknowledged after England beat the Netherlands 2-1 to reach the final, and was hurt by the outrage he received from some German fans.
Southgate has had ups and downs as a manager and player, most notoriously missing a penalty in the Euro 1990 semi-final shootout defeat to Germany.
His only managerial role was at Middlesbrough before being appointed England Under-21 manager in 2013. However, after the Allardyce embarrassing scandal he stepped down from that role to briefly take over the top job.
The 57-cap former defender decided to take on the challenge and after four promising interim appearances he was awarded a permanent contract.
Despite England's success, there was constant criticism of his lack of tactical nous and inflexibility, and at Euro 2024 he was accused of being too cautious and not letting his players express their views.
But he left behind an important legacy and a framework for future accolades.
“He's changed the culture in the team, which is very difficult when a player comes from a different club environment,” Manchester City defender John Stones said.
“Feeling comfortable on the pitch with the guys, humility, a winning mentality.”
England's next manager may finally lead the team to the promised land, but he will be hugely indebted to the man Prince William described as an “all-round first-class player”.
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© Agence France-Presse
