by Mick the Ram

Following England’s heart-breaking defeat to Spain in the final of the Euro’s at the weekend, Gareth Southgate has announced that he has resigned as manager.

His contract was due to run until December of this year, but after fending off some excessive criticism in the English media during the most recent tournament, he has decided to step down early.

He had been in the job for 8 years, promoted from Under 21’s boss back in 2016, and in his time he had taken the team to successive Euro Finals and a World Cup semi-final, but ultimately could not bring home the silverware that the country craved

Prince William was one of the first to post a message of thanks to the out-going manager, describing Southgate as an “all-round class act”.

The Football Association immediately put out a statement of thanks to their departing head coach and confirmed that the process of appointing his successor was already under way.

Amongst the candidates are thought to be Mauricio Pochettino the ex Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss, as well as another former Chelsea manager in Graham Potter. Lee Carsley, the current England Under 21’s boss, is another to be mentioned at this early stage.

Underwhelming choice

Gareth Southgate almost reluctantly stepped up from leading the Under 21 team to take charge of the senior side, following the removal of Sam Allardyce, in September 2016.

He was not a popular choice for many, but he subsequently led England to a period of high achieving, but without quite managing to guide any of his squads to the dream of lifting a trophy.

He reached the World Cup semi-final in 2018, losing to Croatia, then made successive Euro Finals, losing painfully to Italy on penalties in 2021, and then just two days ago in Berlin, succumbing to a very talented Spanish side, who scored an 87th minute winner.

Honoured to be boss

It had been rumoured that he might leave and he made his announcement earlier today (16 July). He said as a proud Englishman it had been the honour of his life to play and then manage his national team: “I t has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.”

He added that he believed it was now time for a change and for a new chapter to begin.

Tributes to support staff

Looking back he recalled how when joining the FA in 2011, it had been his desire to improve English football and took the time to pay tribute to the brilliant support he had received from the backroom staff, who he said had provided “unstinting support” which “inspired me every day.”

He gave a special mention to his right-hand-man, Steve Holland, saying: “I could not have had anyone better alongside me,” calling him: “one of the most talented coaches of his generation.”

“Privileged” to lead the players

Continuing, Southgate spoke of having “the privilege” of leading a large group of players in 102 games and made the point that each and every one of the players had been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts, and remarked that they all had been a credit to their country.

He believes that squad they took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and that winning a trophy with the group is definitely possible, reiterating that he was proud of all of them.

Forever an England fan

Despite being on the receiving end of some unsavoury comments from supporters in recent months, in closing his statement, Southgate said: “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,” before thanking his country and signing off.

Disappointed with comments from former teammates

It is understood that whilst he accepted the criticism of his tactics and selections was part and parcel of the job, he was very disappointed with the level of criticism aimed at him from former players such as Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, who he not only had considered to be friends, but also felt should have been better informed when making scathing remarks.

Above all though, it is thought he began to fear for the safety of those close to him, such was the ferocity behind some of the comments aimed in his direction.

Tribute from FA chief

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham indicated that although England will hope to have to a new manager in place before their next game in the UEFA Nations League against the Republic of Ireland on 7 September, they may initially appoint an interim boss “if needed”.

Paying tribute to the departing manager, he stated that the FA would “look back on at Gareth’s tenure with huge pride”. He added that his contribution to the English game, including a significant role in player development, and in culture transformation had been unique.

He said Southgate had made the impossible job possible, making particular reference to his record of winning tournament games, which he called “extraordinary,” before wrapping up by saying: “He is held in the highest regard by the players, the backroom team, by everyone at the FA and across the world of football”.

Royal salute

Within minutes of Southgate’s announcement, the Prince of Wales – who actually also holds the position the president of the FA and was in attendance at the losing final in Berlin with his son Prince George – put out his own message praising the now ex-manager.

He thanked him for his: “humility, compassion and true leadership under the most intense pressure and scrutiny” during his time leading the England men’s football team. He summed Southgate up as an “all-round class act” and said: “you should be incredibly proud of what you’ve ahieved”.

Return to the club scene

Throughout his time in charge, Southgate has conducted himself impeccably and some of the comments aimed his way have been shockingly disrespectful and failed to appreciate the skills required and displayed in tournament football.

It is little surprise that he has had enough of it, but after a short and deserved break, he will no doubt, find his way back into the domestic game and management at a top club side somewhere.