July 16, (THEWILL) – Gareth Southgate has stepped down as England manager after eight years in charge. He led the national team to two European Championship finals during his tenure.
Southgate took over in 2016 and achieved more success than any England manager since 1966. Under his leadership, the team reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the Euro 2020 final, where they lost to Italy on penalties. Most recently, England made it to the Euro 2024 final but were defeated 2-1 by Spain.
In a statement, Southgate said: “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. However, it’s time for change, and for a new chapter.”
Despite dividing opinion with his pragmatic style of play, Southgate transformed a team that had previously struggled to progress past the quarter-finals of major tournaments. He managed England for 102 games, leading a squad he described as “full of exciting young talent” that can “win the trophy we all dream of”.
England FA CEO, Mark Bullingham, praised Southgate’s impact: “In the 25 tournaments post-1966 before Gareth took charge, we had won seven knockout games. In his four tournaments, we have won nine. So, in his eight years, he has won more games that really matter than in the previous 50 years.”
The search for Southgate’s replacement will now begin, with the Football Association facing a crucial decision ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Whoever takes on the role will have big shoes to fill, inheriting a talented squad that has come close to major tournament glory.
The new manager will be tasked with building on Southgate’s foundation and aiming to end England’s long wait for a major trophy, which now stretches back 58 years.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
