Southgate Says Goodbye to England: Two Lost Finals. ‘Time for a New Chapter’

After 102 games and almost eight years in charge, Gareth Southgate has announced he will step down as manager of the Three Lions“. With these words, England announced their farewell to their coach, after losing their second consecutive European Championship final. A World Cup semi-final in 2018 and, indeed, two European Championship finals, both lost, were the coach’s unenviable haul, which ended with a huge disappointment, the 2-1 defeat to Spain last Sunday.

Southgate’s parting words.
Following the Federation’s announcement, the former coach also issued a statement: “As a proud Englishman, it has been the greatest honour of my life to play for England and manage England. It has meant everything to me and I have given it my all.

Now it’s time for change and a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my last game as England manager. I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. During that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people to whom I owe a huge thank you. I couldn’t have had anyone better than Steve Holland at my side. He is one of the most talented managers of his generation and has been immense.

I have had the privilege of leading a great group of players through 102 games. Each and every one of them has been proud to wear the Three Lions crest and have honoured their country. The team we have taken to Germany is full of young talent who can win the trophy we all dream of. I am so proud of them and hope that The FA is committed every day to improving English football and that they understand the power of football to drive positive change. My special thanks go to the staff behind the scenes who have provided the players and me with unconditional support over these eight years. Their hard work and commitment have inspired me every day and I am so grateful to them, my brilliant ‘staff behind the staff’. We have the best fans in the world and their support has meant the world to me. I am an England fan and always will be. I can’t wait to watch the next games, I am sure we will have even more special memories to cherish and celebrate, and that we will unite and inspire the nation. Thank you, England, for everything.”