Gareth Southgate has resigned as England head coach in the wake of the Three Lions’ defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
The much-maligned England manager refused to be drawn on his fate in the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s disappointment in Berlin, insisting it was not the right time to discuss his future.
However, two days on from the heartbreaking 2-1 loss in the German capital, Southgate has announced his departure from the position, eight years after taking over the reins from Sam Allardyce – initially on a temporary basis.
Southgate’s contract was due to expire at the end of the calendar year and and before the final, it was widely reported that the FA were keen to keep the 53-year-old in the hot seat regardless of the outcome in the German capital.
But the FA must now begin their search for Southgate’s successor, with plenty of high-profile names already on the bookies’ shortlist of favourites to become the next England manager.
Gareth Southgate’s statement after stepping down
Southgate’s statement in full
‘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,’ Southgate said in a statement on the FA website.
‘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.’
Southgate added: ‘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.’
Next England manager odds – who is the favourite to replace Gareth Southgate?
Graham Potter is currently the bookies’ favourite to take over from Southgate, with the 49-year-old having been out of work since his Chelsea sacking over a year ago.
The Englishman was close to taking over at Ajax earlier this summer and was also considered by Leicester City following Enzo Maresca’s defection to Stamford Bridge.
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has odds of 5/1 to take over the reins from Southgate.
England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley will likely come under consideration, with the former Everton midfielder having guided the young Lions to the European U21 Championship last year – beating none other than Spain in the final.
A foreign appointment, meanwhile, should not be discounted with both Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino both having enjoyed success in England in previous roles – whilst Jurgen Klopp would surely be the dream appointment for the FA.
Next England manager odds
Graham Potter:
Eddie Howe:
Lee Carsley:
Thomas Tuchel:
Mauricio Pochettino:
Jurgen Klopp:
Ralf Rangnick:
Frank Lampard, Pep Guardiola:
Jose Mourinho:
Michael Carrick:
Sean Dyche, Gary O’Neil:
Brendan Rodgers, Steven Gerrard, David Moyes, Steve Cooper, Steve Holland, Wayne Rooney, Sarina Wiegman, Ange Postecoglou:
Odds via
Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: ‘Graham Potter is the early 6/4 favourite to be the next England manager after Gareth Southgate announced his departure on Tuesday.
‘Newcastle boss Eddie Howe follows behind at 5/1 with Lee Carsley 11/2 and Thomas Tuchel 6/1 for the job.
‘Other contenders include Mauricio Pochettino at 7/1, with Jurgen Klopp 14/1 to replace Southgate. Elsewhere, Frank Lampard and Pep Guardiola are 20/1 contenders for the role.’
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