After losing the European Championship final against Spain, Gareth Southgate resigns as national coach. The job was “the honour of his life”. Will his successor be German?
Shortly after announcing his resignation as England’s national coach, Gareth Southgate received royal praise. “Gareth, I want to thank you, not as FA President, but as an England fan,” wrote heir to the throne Prince William, President of the English Football Association (FA), on the X platform. “Thank you for building a team that will be on a par with the best teams in the world in 2024.” However, England was not able to win the title again. Southgate is drawing the consequences.
Two days after losing the European Championship final against Spain (1:2), the 53-year-old announced, as expected, his departure as national coach. “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for and coach England. It has meant everything to me and I have given it my all,” said Southgate in a statement from the FA. “But it is time for a change and a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my last game as England coach.”
A German as successor?
Immediately after the final in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium on Sunday, the 53-year-old did not want to give any indication of his personal future. However, the FA had already signaled before the match against Spain and regardless of the outcome of the final that it wanted to continue working with the former defender until the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Now the association has to find a coach for the first time in eight years.
Possible successors to Southgate include Eddie Howe of Newcastle United, former Chelsea coach Graham Potter and former world-class player Frank Lampard, who has had little success as a coach so far. Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino has also been mentioned several times. Or will it be a German? Thomas Tuchel is also said to be a candidate. Former international player Gary Lineker also brought Jürgen Klopp into the conversation, although he wants to take a break from coaching after nine years at Liverpool FC.
102 games in eight years
Southgate took over as head coach of the Three Lions in 2016 and was on the bench in 102 international matches. His assistant coach Steve Holland is also leaving the FA. “Over the last eight years, they have transformed the England men’s team and created unforgettable memories for everyone who loves the Three Lions,” said FA chief Mark Bullingham. “We look back on Gareth’s time in office with great pride.”
Former professionals, fellow coaches and players paid tribute to the departing coach. “Thank you coach, it was a privilege to play for you,” wrote defender Declan Rice on Instagram. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford thanked him for his trust. “I wish him all the best in his next steps. Thank you Gareth.”
Bullingham praised Southgate for his player development. The coach has also brought about a cultural change in the team. “But what is most impressive is his track record in tournaments,” said the FA boss. In addition to reaching the final in Germany, Southgate also reached the European Championship final in 2021, the World Cup semi-final in 2018 and the World Cup quarter-final in 2022. Only world champion coach Alf Ramsey was more successful with the Three Lions.
Title drought continues
But second place at the European Championships will extend the title drought that has been troubling English football from 58 to at least 60 years. Southgate had not renewed his contract, which ran until the end of the year, before the European Championships. Public criticism of him had grown in recent years. The coach was sometimes harshly criticised at this tournament, including by ex-professionals.
The group phase was extremely bumpy for the English, who had a number of top players. Some fans even threw cups at the coach in the stadium. Southgate expressed his irritation, especially as England won the group. The mood only changed after the convincing 2-1 win in the semi-final against the Netherlands.
Source: Stern
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