Gareth Southgate has stepped down as England manager in the wake of a second consecutive European Championship Final defeat.

Southgate, 53, had refused to be drawn on his future immediately after Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Spain in Berlin but has since discussed the situation with his family and held talks with the FA, and decided to call time on nearly eight years in the job.

“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England,” Southgate wrote in a statement. “It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all. 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 steps down as the first manager to lead England men’s team to a final on foreign soil, but he could not end their long wait for a trophy, which will stand at 60 years by the start of the 2026 World Cup. He took charge of two finals, more than every one of his predecessors combined, and also led England to the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup and the last-eight in Qatar 18 months ago.

The FA’s technical director John McDermott and chief executive Mark Bullingham, who tried to persuade Southgate to extend his deal beyond December, will now begin the process of naming a successor.

Newcastle’s Eddie Howe is a leading contender, while former Chelsea bosses Graham Potter, Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino are understood to be interested in the job. Lee Carsley, England’s Under-21 coach who led the youngsters to the European Championship last summer, is expected to be interviewed.

England are back in action in just 53 days when they play Ireland in Dublin at the start a new Nations League campaign on September 7, and Bullingham has said the FA could make an interim appointment.

Bullingham said Southgate has “laid strong foundations for future success” and paid tribute to his “transformation” of the culture and results of the national team.

“On behalf of English football, I would like to pay tribute to Gareth Southgate and to Steve Holland for everything they have achieved,” Bullingham said.

“Over the last eight years they have transformed the England men’s team, delivering unforgettable memories. And of course, we have had strong tournament performances throughout their tenure. Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success.”

Southgate urged the country to continue supporting England’s young squad. “The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of,” he 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. I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can. Thank you, England – for everything.”