Gareth Southgate has officially resigned as the England national football team’s head coach just two days after the UEFA Euro 2024 final. The departure closes a major chapter in English football, featuring a mixture of progress, resilience, and near-misses on the international stage.
Southgate’s stint with the England national team had started in 2016, as a caretaker manager following the sudden exit of Sam Allardyce. Soon, it became permanent and, very soon indeed, Southgate began the process of turning around a squad that was underperforming at the highest level of the international stage. His emphasis on young talents, tactical flexibility, and the ability to create a positive culture within the team brought a new lease on life for the team and reignited hope for its fans.
Notable Achievements
World Cup 2018: Southgate’s first major tournament as England manager was the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Under his guidance, the team reached the semifinals for the first time since 1990, eventually finishing fourth. This run caught the imagination of the nation, with Southgate’s unflustered leadership and spirited performances from the players bringing unity and pride.
UEFA Nations League 2019: England duly went on to reach the semi-finals, further underlining this status newly claimed among the elite of European football.
Euro 2020: Perhaps the high point of Southgate’s time in charge, he took England to their first major final since 1966. They lost to Italy after a torrid penalty shootout but got there nonetheless.
2022 World Cup: England reached the quarter-finals, proving their building consistency in every new major tournament.
The Road to Euro 2024
The Euro 2024 in Germany is a challenge and, at the same time, an opportunity for Gareth Southgate with this team. Expectations are high for ideal top flights with equal chances of experienced and emerging talents. The Three Lions would make their way to the final on the back of solid performances, tactical skills, and flashes of brilliance. However, the final against France turned out to be a very close game in which Southgate’s leadership fell short of the perfect finish line.
Reasons for Resignation
Southgate’s exit was just a two-day aftermath following the Euro 2024 final game, and needless to say, it came up with mixed emotions. In his exit note, he hinted at satisfaction and pride as he referred to his time which has led to progress. He cited the fact that the team would need a fresh approach going forward to be able to tackle future challenges.
“I believe now is the right time for someone new to take the helm and continue the journey we’ve started,” Southgate said. “To have had the opportunity to lead this group and see the development of the players has been an incredible privilege. I am thankful for the fans, the FA, and everyone partaking in the national team.”
Legacy and Impact
Southgate leaves behind a legacy defined by stability, respect, and progress. He changed the perception of what it is to be England manager, and showed you could do it successfully through humility, integrity, and team spirit. His very calm mien, even under extraordinary pressure, endeared him to all.
The rise of budding talents like Jadon Sancho, Phil Foden, and Bukayo Saka would be significant enough in isolation, but set against the revival of already established stars such as Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, it feels pretty remarkable. Other positives surrounding Southgate’s reign are that it has seen the national team engaging with social issues and promoting inclusivity and diversity.
The Road Ahead
As the Football Association embarks on the mission for a new manager, his task would be to better build on what Southgate left as a foundation. With such a bright future to look forward to, England’s talented squad will challenge for honors at the very top in forthcoming tournaments.
Gareth Southgate goes, and that was an end to a beautiful era, but his influence surely will echo in the England camp for years to come. His contributions have set a new benchmark in what it means to lead the national team, merging tactical acumen with a deep understanding of how it affects society at large. As England charges forward into the future, they do so with one manager to thank for bringing them one step closer to glory and giving hope and belief that anything is possible.