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Gareth Southgate departs as England manager

Gareth Southgate has left the role of England manager
Gareth Southgate has left the role of England manager

Gareth Southgate has resigned as England manager, saying it is time for a "new chapter" for the national team.

The Euro 2024 runners-up will now have a different face in the dugout for the Nations League clash with Republic of Ireland in September at the Aviva Stadium.

He announced his decision to quit in a statement issued by the Football Association on Tuesday morning, following the team's defeat to Spain in the final on Sunday night.

"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," he said in a statement.

"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."

Southgate took charge in 2016, following the team's ignominious exit to Iceland in that summer’s Euros and the short-lived reign of Sam Allardyce.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham paid tribute to Southgate’s achievements in leading England to successive European Championship finals, as well as to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in his first tournament at the helm.

Bullingham indicated the process to find Southgate’s successor "is now under way" and said the FA had an "interim solution in place if needed", with the team’s next matches coming in the Nations League in September.

Southgate himself backed his players to go on and "win the trophy we all dream of" in the future.

"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," he said.

"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."

Rice and Bellingham both shared warm words about Southgate on social media

Reacting to the news, Jude Bellingham described Southgate as "easily one of the best coaches in the history of the national team".

The Real Madrid midfielder, who expressed his "sadness and disappointment" over England's Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain, also said Southgate was "an unbelievable human being" in a tribute posted on Instagram.

Bellingham said: "I'd like to thank Gareth and his staff for the great memories during his tenure. From the point of view of a fan who has become a member of the squad, it's been a roller coaster of amazing emotions that has instilled hope and joy back into our country.

"It was a privilege being lead by someone who is so dedicated and passionate, not only is Gareth easily one of the best coaches in the history of the national team but also an unbelievable human being. Thank you for everything and all the best in the next chapter, gaffer."

England captain Harry Kane called Southgate one of England's "greatest ever managers" who had restored belief to the team and supporters.

Kane wrote on Instagram: "Boss. Thank you for everything you have done for me and our country! You have been one of England’s greatest ever managers and it has been a pleasure to have served as your captain throughout. You helped our nation connect and believe in our team again.

"There have been so many highlights and we’ve made memories together that will last forever! Good luck with your next chapter and I’m sure we’ll see each other around. Thanks Boss!"

Jordan Pickford and Declan Rice also took to social media to express their thanks to Southgate.

Everton goalkeeper Pickford wrote on Instagram: "Completely gutted. This will hurt for a while. Appreciate everyone who supported us during the tournament and I'd like to thank all my team-mates and staff for their work throughout.

"I also want to say a special thank you to the boss for always believing in me during his time with us and I would like to wish him all the best in his next steps. Thank you Gareth."

Arsenal midfielder Rice, a mainstay for Southgate, appearing in every game for England at the last three major tournaments, posted in an Instagram Story: "Thank you gaffer. It's been a privilege to play for England under your guidance.

"Memories that will stay with me forever. All the best in your next adventure."

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, who missed out on a place in Southgate's Euros squad after picking up a calf injury in April, wrote on Instagram: "You made us all believe again - memories that will last forever. Thank you boss."

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