KEIR RADNEDGE REPORTING —- Gareth Southgate has resigned as England manager, two days after the 2-1 defeat by Spain in Berlin in the final of the 2024 UEFA European Championship.

Southgate’s reign ended with his 102nd match in charge after an eight-year reign in which he took England to three international semi-finals and, on Sunday, their first final on foreign soil.

The 53-year-old 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.”

Gareth Southgate: eight years, two finals and a semi

Newcastle’s Eddie Howe is the main contender to replace Southgate along with Graham Potter.

Southgate said before the Euro finals that unless he guided England to a first trophy since the home World Cup in 1966 he would have to stand down. Steve Holland, his long-time assistant, has also stepped down.

It is understood the FA had hoped that he would extend his contract, which had been due to expire in December, until the finals of the 2026 World Cup.

Southgate added: “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.

“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.”

Mark Bullingham, the FA chief executive, said: “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.

“Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success. He is held in the highest regard by the players, the backroom team, by everyone at the FA and across the world of football.

“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. We know there will be inevitable speculation, but we won’t be commenting further on our process until we appoint.”

Southgate was appointed in 2016, initially on a temporary basis, after the defeat by Iceland at Euro 2016 and the one-match reign of Sam Allardyce. He then led England to the World Cup semi-final in Russia, the final of Euro 2020 and the World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar.

He endured vicious criticism by some TV pundits during England’s struggles through the group stage in Germany and was, on one occasion, pelted by cups of beer by frustrated fans.

History will be much kinder to him.

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