Gareth Southgate’s statement in FULL as he resigns as England manager following defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final… after almost eight years as Three Lions boss

Gareth Southgate announced on Tuesday that he has decided to step down as England manager after his team suffered a painful defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024.

The Berlin showpiece was the second major tournament final in four attempts under Southgate. The England men’s national team had not had such an opportunity for 55 years before he took charge in November 2016.

But England lost 2-1 to Spain, becoming the first country to lose two consecutive European Championship finals. Following the defeat, Southgate has decided to end his successful spell with the team.

In a heartfelt statement, he expressed his pride at leading the country, reflected on his many years as a player and manager and thanked the England fans for their support.

‘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 done everything I could.’ His statement began.

Southgate initially took over as England manager on an interim basis in 2016 following the sacking of Sam Allardyce

He led England to two European Championship finals, and to a quarter-final and semi-final of the World Cup.

“But it’s time for a change, and a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my last game as England manager.

‘I joined The FA in 2011 determined to improve English football. During that time, including eight years as England Men’s Manager, I have had the support of some brilliant people who I would like to sincerely thank.

‘I couldn’t have had anyone better beside 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 managing a great group of players in 102 games. Every single one of them has been proud to wear the Three Lions on their shirt and has been a credit to their country in so many ways. The squad we have taken 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 can get behind the players and the team at St George’s Park and the FA as they strive to improve every day.

‘English football, and understand the power football has to create positive change.

‘A special thanks goes to the backroom staff who have given the players and me unwavering support over the last eight years. Their hard work and dedication have inspired me every day and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.

Southgate will be remembered for changing England’s relationship with penalty shoot-outs

Under his leadership, the Three Lions won three of their four shoot-outs, having won just one in their previous seven games.

England were perfect from the penalty spot for their five attempts in their quarter-final win over Switzerland at Euro 2024

‘We have the best fans in the world and their support means the world to me. I am an England fan and always will be. I look forward to watching and celebrating the players create more special memories and unite and inspire the nation in the way we know they can. Thank you, England – for everything.’

Southgate managed England 102 times and achieved a win percentage of 59 percent in the almost eight years he was in charge.

Only Walter Winterbottom and Sir Alf Ramsey have coached the Three Lions in more games.

The former Middlesbrough manager led the Three Lions to three semi-finals at major tournaments, including the 2018 World Cup.

Under Southgate, England have not only become a constant on the international stage, but the manager will also be responsible for improving the nation’s penalty record.

England had won just one shoot-out in seven attempts before their euphoric last-16 victory over Colombia in Russia. They followed this up with two victories against Switzerland, in the Nations League and in the quarter-finals of this summer’s European Championship.

The only blot on their record came in the final of Euro 2020, when three missed penalties gave Italy the chance to lift the trophy at Wembley.

Former Chelsea managers Mauricio Pochettino (left) and Graham Potter (right) are among the leading candidates to replace Southgate

The search for his replacement now begins, with Mail Sport revealing on Monday that Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, Lee Carsley and Mauricio Pochettino were among the early contenders.

Howe’s work at Newcastle, and previously Bournemouth, has been admired by sporting director John McDermott and the Magpies boss is seen as a strong candidate.

Howe is believed to be happy at Newcastle but would consider any approach from the national team. Potter has been unemployed since leaving Chelsea over a year ago and is said to be open to the England job.

Carsley is currently England Under-21 manager and is likely to be interviewed for the role as the FA goes through its recruitment process.

Interestingly, Pochettino is also said to be considering the chance to coach England, having left Chelsea at the end of last season.

The English Football Association would prefer to see a local coach as Southgate’s replacement, but has not ruled out a foreign manager either.