Gareth Southgate’s heartfelt statement in full as he resigns as England manager

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Gareth Southgate England resignation statement

It’s finally over: Gareth Southgate has officially resigned as England manager after 102 games and nearly eight years in charge, sharing an emotional statement as he steps down with immediate effect.

Southgate’s side were on the agonising end of yet another defeat in a European final on Sunday night, losing 2-1 to Spain in the conclusion of Euro 2024, which has now proved to be his last game.

Despite boasting the second-best win rate of any England boss with 64 wins during his tenure and having taken them as far as they have been since 1966, the 53-year-old has still been a divisive figure at the helm, with many having called for him to be sacked/quit in recent years.

With the pressure only mounting further following another defeat at the last hurdle, Southgate has decided to call it a day, sharing a heartfelt statement to the nation.

Speaking via the Football Association (FA) and the official England page, Southgate wrote: “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.

“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.

“I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks.

“I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.

“I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways.” Many pundits, ex-pros and fans alike have been paying tribute to his time in the top job.

He went on to add: “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.

“My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.

“We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I’m an England fan and I always will be.

I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can. Thank you, England – for everything.

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Whatever you may have made of Gareth Southgate and his brand of football, it’s clear from his statement how much the job meant to him and there can be no question about his commitment even in the face of all the criticism laid at his door over the past couple of tournaments.

Moreover, the facts are clear: he took us to a World Cup semi-final and two back-to-back Euros finals in a position that is widely considered one of the most unpopular, easily vilified and nigh-on impossible jobs in the country, not to mention giving most us the best England memories in our lifetime.

Thank you for everything, Gareth – Southgate you’re the one.

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Featured Images — soccer.ru (via Wikimedia Commons)/Number 10 (via Flickr)