One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson, broadcaster Dan Walker, and Prince William are among those who have paid tribute to Gareth Southgate following his resignation as England football manager.
The news comes after England’s devastating loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
The 53-year-old managed 102 matches during his eight years as England manager and guided the team to two major international finals, the most of anyone to hold the position.
Since the announcement that Southgate won’t renegotiate his contract – which is set to run out in December – there’s been an outpouring of tributes to the manager.
Louis Tomlinson thanked Southgate for the ‘incredible memories’ his leadership has created.
The former One Directioner wrote on X: ‘Thank you Gareth Southgate for the incredible memories you’ve given us all over the last 8 years!’
Prince William, who is the President of the FA, was also among those praising Southgate, writing on X: ‘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 and scrutiny.
‘And thank you for being an all-round class act. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved. W.’
Newsreader Dan Walker, who previously presented BBC Breakfast and Football Focus, wrote: ‘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 pitch.
‘You reminded us of the sartorial significance of a waistcoat and, most importantly, you did it all at the same time as being a thoroughly decent bloke.’
Former player and current football presenter Jamie Carragher echoed these sentiments, posting: ‘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!’
Commentator Gary Neville also chimed in, writing: ‘Thank you Gareth you did a great Job (England flag emoji)’
Presenter Naga Munchetty wrote: ‘Thank you for your passion, commitment and for bringing hope, dignity & joy Gareth. x’
Former player and current commentator Gary Lineker posted: ‘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, Gareth.’
In a message to fans on Tuesday morning, Southgate said of his decision to retire: ‘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.’