‘Time for a new chapter,’ says Gareth Southgate on resigning as England manager
Gareth Southgate has stepped down from his position as England manager and admitted that “it’s time for a new chapter”.
Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham confirmed that the search for Southgate’s successor is now under way.
As reported by Telegraph Sport, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe will be among the front-runners, with Graham Potter, Lee Carsley, Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel.
England lost the final of the European Championship to Spain, which proved to be Southgate’s final game in charge.
Confirming his departure, Southgate released an emotional statement that said: “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. 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 communicated his decision to his England staff before the FA made the announcement on Tuesday morning. Southgate organised a mass video call for all staff to tell them that he would be stepping down.
Bullingham said: “The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now under way and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible. Our Uefa Nations League campaign starts in September, and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed.”
Paying tribute to Southgate, Bullingham added: “On behalf of English football, I would like to pay tribute to Gareth Southgate and to Steve Holland [Southgate’s assistant manager] for everything they have achieved.
“Over the last eight years they have transformed the England men’s team, delivering unforgettable memories for everyone who loves the Three Lions.
“We look back at Gareth’s tenure with huge pride – his contribution to the English game, including a significant role in player development, and in culture transformation, has been unique. However, it is his record of winning tournament games which is most extraordinary.
“We are very proud of everything Gareth and Steve achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them.”
Live reaction as it happened...
01:50 PM BST
That’s all for our live coverage...
...but stay up to date with all the reaction to Gareth Southgate’s resignation throughout the afternoon with Telegraph Sport.
England have to go for Eddie Howe – he is the front-runner by a distance
No masterplan and few goals: Southgate’s England had run its course
Next England manager odds: Who could replace Gareth Southgate?
01:32 PM BST
Prime Minister pays tribute
I join with everyone today in saying thank you to both Gareth Southgate and his team for all they have achieved and for laying the foundations for future success. pic.twitter.com/H2sEW6i5NA
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 16, 2024
01:25 PM BST
Luke Edwards on Eddie Howe
When he was last asked Howe told reporters "I'm totally committed to Newcastle and always have been…" this was before Southgate's departure but think it's important context to what we have now #NUFC https://t.co/aN0yrTxXnC
— Luke Edwards (@LukeEdwardsTele) July 16, 2024
01:19 PM BST
This feels an awful long time ago now..
01:04 PM BST
Writers’ views
We asked our Telegraph Sport football writers who they thought should come in to replace Southgate.
12:58 PM BST
Jamie Carragher writes...
....There is one stand-out candidate to replace Gareth Southgate. It has got to be Eddie Howe. For me, he is the frontrunner by a distance.
12:49 PM BST
What next for....Southgate?
Interesting one this as all the attention will turn initially to the England vacancy but Southgate’s next stop is also intriguing. Club management appears the safest bet but with questions swirling about his tactical proficiency, you have to wonder whether a top Premier League club would roll the dice. He has been linked with Manchester United and would surely come back under consideration for the job at Old Trafford should Erik ten Hag’s side struggle at the start of the upcoming season.
Or maybe a return to punditry? Southgate was a regular in the ITV studio before taking the England job. That would certainly be a less pressure-filled option if that is what he is looking for.
12:39 PM BST
Have your say
12:36 PM BST
Tributes on X flooding in
Thank you Gareth Southgate! As a kid we didn't get to see our country going deep in tournament after tournament! I think we are now one of THE best nations in world and that happened under your watch! Well done.. England as a football nation is stronger because of you!… https://t.co/TT79Z5cTg3
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) July 16, 2024
Well events overtook the poll!
Gareth Southgate has resigned. Huge congrats to him for his achievements, the best results of any England manager in my lifetime, an incredible man manager, held his head high during an oft thankless task - with a bar so high Fosbury'd struggle to… https://t.co/yeKJOhHdcw— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) July 16, 2024
Morning its with mixed emotions as an England fan 102 games and almost 8 years in charge, Gareth Southgate has announced he is to leave his role as manager of the #ThreeLions. For me I am thankful of Gareth Southgate he bought the country together gave us for a few days a… pic.twitter.com/dlZE1GOfbS
— Frank Bruno MBE 🇬🇧 (@frankbrunoboxer) July 16, 2024
Gareth Southgate reconnected the nation with her football team, rekindled her love affair with the national side and united the England dressing room - and then produced some truly unforgettable moments. He deserves our respect & gratitude. #garethsouthgate
— Mark Pougatch (@markpougatch) July 16, 2024
Compare the wasteland of 2007-2016 to the run of semis, final, quarters, final under Gareth Southgate.
Sure, a tournament win eluded him, and his quest for balance was sometimes inhibiting, but he's been transformational.
England are no longer outliers, trapped in mythology. https://t.co/zEZZ2CtHjA— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) July 16, 2024
12:27 PM BST
Next England manager – current betting market
Graham Potter 13/8
Lee Carsley 9/4
Eddie Howe 4/1
Jurgen Klopp 10/1
Mauricio Pochettino 12/1
Frank Lampard 16/1
Thomas Tuchel 16/1
Odds from Bet365
12:19 PM BST
Howe: ‘England job is the ultimate’
Important to point out this was taken from an interview when Howe was still in charge at Bournemouth. He has remained tight-lipped on the England position since taking over at Newcastle.
"The England job is the ultimate, I would never say no"
Eddie Howe stating his desire to be the England boss in an interview with Gary Lineker.
Don't rule it out! #NUFC #England pic.twitter.com/9q2ERUkHh2— Harry ⚫️⚪️ (@_harr) July 15, 2024
12:16 PM BST
Gary Lineker pays tribute
Wishing Gareth Southgate all the very best in the future. He brought pride, respect and a togetherness to @England that we hadn't seen for a long time. He was close, very close to footballing immmortality and he always did the job with humility, decency and dignity. Thank you,…
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 16, 2024
12:15 PM BST
The one that got away...twice
12:12 PM BST
Southgate’s Achilles’ heel
By Dan Zeqiri
One curiosity of Southgate’s tenure is his poor record in the Nations League. At the European Championship and the World Cup, Southgate’s win ratio is at least 50 per cent. In qualification for both tournaments, unsurprisingly, that win ratio rockets to around 80 per cent.
However, in the Nations League it was just 27.8 per cent with only five wins in 18 matches. England failed to win a game against Italy, Germany and Hungary in their last Nations League campaign.
12:11 PM BST
‘It’s time for change’
Here is Gareth Southgate’s statement again for those that might have missed it:
“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.
“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.
“I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks.
“I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.
“I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways.
“The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of. 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.
“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.
“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.”
12:07 PM BST
‘I’ll always respect him’
The words of Jude Bellingham in the immediate aftermath of England’s Euro 2024 loss to Spain: “I’ve got nothing but respect for Gareth giving me my debut in the squad, made me feel very at home.
“He is someone who, I think, in the last year or two as well, our relationship’s kind of gone a little bit past football, where I feel like I can open up to him a lot and I think that speaks volumes of the kind of man he is as well.
“I’ll always respect him. Sometimes the numbers and the kind of statistics, the records don’t lie, he’s been our most successful manager since 1966.
“He will always have my respect and my love.”
12:05 PM BST
More reaction
Right decision by Gareth Southgate to leave. Too cautious with a very good collection of players. But now is the time to celebrate what he's achieved: took the fear out off the shirt, rebuilt relations with fans, got players loving reporting again, worked on penalty process...🙌
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) July 16, 2024
The greatest England manager in my lifetime, he's given me the best days as a fan watching our national team, from picking us up from the Iceland catastrophe to making final appearances a regular occurrence.
Thank you Gareth Southgate. https://t.co/EG0PhxMA6Y— Will Brazier (@willbrazier) July 16, 2024
Gareth Southgate is a class act and can leave his position as England manager with his head held high and with great pride with what he has achieved 👏👏
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) July 16, 2024
12:01 PM BST
Debuts under Southgate
By Dan Zeqiri
Southgate gave 66 players their England debut, the first of which was Jesse Lingard against Malta in 2016 and the last Jarrad Brainthwaite against Bosnia and Herzegovina before this summer’s Euros.
A look through some of the names is a reminder of how difficult it is to establish yourself in the England squad: Harry Winks, Lewis Cook, Ainsley-Maitland Niles, Ben Godfrey and James Justin and others quickly fell off the radar.
11:58 AM BST
Southgate: through the tournaments
2018 World Cup
Euro 2020
2022 World Cup
Euro 2024
11:50 AM BST
Kane’s goal burden under Southgate
By Dan Zeqiri
When in comes to goal contributions, the burden carried by Kane during the Southgate era is quite staggering.
He scored 61 England goals under Southgate, more than the next five highest goalscorers combined (they were Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Harry Maguire and Jesse Lingard).
Kane provided 77 goals and assists, with Sterling and Rashford next with 31 and 19.
Sterling and Rashford were not part of England’s Euro 2024, but along with Kane were Southgate’s most reliable sources of end product.
11:46 AM BST
Prince of Wales pays tribute
Gareth, I want to thank you - not as the President of the @FA, but as an @England fan.
Thank you for creating a team that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world's finest in 2024. Thank you for showing humility, compassion, and true leadership under the most intense pressure… pic.twitter.com/Fq2ytO4em6— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 16, 2024
11:43 AM BST
‘Privilege to cover England under Southgate’
I started covering England in 2007 and to be honest it used to be a pretty rubbish gig. Constant underachievement, politics and stress. Gareth Southgate - together with some people at the FA- stripped all that away and since 2018 it has been a real pleasure and privilege to cover…
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) July 16, 2024
Thank you Gareth. You made players actually want to play for England and you made people actually want to buy waistcoats. Incredible achievements. https://t.co/NVqUlsABgI
— Rhys James (@rhysjamesy) July 16, 2024
Thank you Gareth Southgate for the incredible memories you've given us all over the last 8 years!
— Louis Tomlinson (@Louis_Tomlinson) July 16, 2024
11:42 AM BST
Most-used players under Southgate
By Dan Zeqiri
Southgate’s skipper Harry Kane finishes as his most-used player with 73 starts and a total of 6,526 minutes.
He is followed by Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones and Harry Maguire as the only players to pass the 5,000-minute mark.
Kane featured in 49 England victories under Southgate, the most of any player.
11:41 AM BST
Telegraph readers react
We want to hear the thoughts of as many of you as possible, so jump down to the comments section to offer your thoughts on Southgate, England and who/what comes next...
11:33 AM BST
More X tributes
Southgate steps down with typical class.
Thank you Gareth. After years of average performances at major tournaments you gave us some brilliant nights on the big occasions.
You brought the team together and helped them build a platform to show the power of their voices off the… pic.twitter.com/nNU36IWSkV— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) July 16, 2024
Whether or not it is time for a new England manager , woe betide anyone who loses the ego-free culture and mentality instilled by Gareth Southgate. History will judge his era kindly. Best since Sir Alf and that is beyond dispute.
— Ian Darke (@IanDarke) July 15, 2024
Gareth Southgate made me feel proud of England's men's football team again.
That's all I'll remember from his time in charge.— David Law (@DavidLawTennis) July 16, 2024
11:31 AM BST
Key quote to note
“The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now under way and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible. Our UEFA Nations League campaign starts in September, and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed.”
The words of Mark Bullingham. Nothing more yet on what an ‘interim solution’ might look like should it be required. Stay tuned for updates.
11:28 AM BST
Best since Ramsey?
There is certainly a very strong case to be made. Despite his winning percentage being lower than Sir Alf, Ron Greenwood, Fabio Capello and Glenn Hoddle, Southgate’s success at major tournaments surely gives him the edge...or at least puts him in a clear second place.
Had he seen victory in either of those Euros finals, the debate might well have been over.
11:24 AM BST
The contenders
The question will quickly turn to who should replace Southgate. Click here for a full rundown of the leading contenders and for how the betting markets have reacted.
11:21 AM BST
‘A great ride’
It's been a great ride for all involved over the last eight years. Two finals, semi final & a quarter final in Gareth Southgate's four tournaments is a very tough act to follow! https://t.co/TKnWGZUfkt
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) July 16, 2024
11:18 AM BST
‘We will be forever grateful’
Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham: “The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now under way and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible. Our UEFA Nations League campaign starts in September, and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed.
“On behalf of English football, I would like to pay tribute to Gareth Southgate and to Steve Holland for everything they have achieved.
“Over the last eight years they have transformed the England men’s team, delivering unforgettable memories for everyone who loves the Three Lions.
“We look back at Gareth’s tenure with huge pride – his contribution to the English game, including a significant role in player development, and in culture transformation has been unique. However, it is his record of winning tournament games which is most extraordinary.
“We are very proud of everything Gareth and Steve achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them.”
11:13 AM BST
Early tributes
Thank you Gareth you did a great Job 🏴
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) July 16, 2024
Thank you, Gareth ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/IfvfWpnaTk
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) July 16, 2024
Say what you like about Gareth Southgate the coach - I thought he should have gone after Italy, but can see why not - he is a genuinely good man, who cares and has laid robust and excellent foundations. The next coach, hopefully more tactically superior, has to capitalise
— Jacob Tanswell (@J_Tanswell) July 16, 2024
Gareth Southgate changed the mentality of English football.
He leaves us believing again.
I've seen people saying that losing two finals will leave a mark.
Let's reframe that…
Making two finals will leave a mark.
Thank you Gareth. ❤️— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) July 16, 2024
11:12 AM BST
Record at major tournaments
After taking the post in September 2016;, Southgate went on to have one of the most successful runs at England’s helm. A total of 61 wins from 102 games in charge does not tell the full story, with his achievements at major tournaments the biggest feather in his cap:
World Cup 2018 – Semi-Finals
Euro 2020 – Runners-up
World Cup 2022 – Quarter-Finals
Euro 2024 – Runners-up
11:05 AM BST
Who next?
11:04 AM BST
Southgate statement
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.
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.
I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks.
I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.
I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways.
The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of. 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.
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.
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.