Gareth Southgate have worked closely together over nearly eight years (Picture: Getty Images)
Harry Kane has sent a heartfelt message to Gareth Southgate as he departs from his role as England manager, thanking him for what he has done for him and the country as a whole.
Southgate announced his decision to step down as England manager on Tuesday after defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024 on Sunday evening.
The Football Association were keen for him to stay on until the 2026 World Cup but he has decided that four major tournaments is enough for him, after narrow misses in back-to-back European Championship finals.
Kane has been an integral part of Southgate’s stint in charge, wearing the captain’s armband and becoming his country’s record goal-scorer under the manager.
The Bayern Munich superstar has thanked Southgate for his work as England boss, not just for the team on the field but his influence off the pitch.
‘Boss. Thank you for everything you have done for me and our country!’ Kane posted on X. ‘You have been one of England’s greatest ever managers and it has been a pleasure to have served as your captain throughout.
‘You helped our nation connect and believe in our team again. There have been so many highlights and we’ve made memories together that will last forever!
‘Good luck with your next chapter and I’m sure we’ll see each other around. Thanks Boss!’
The FA are now working to appoint Southgate’s replacement, with Eddie Howe, Graham Potter and Lee Carsley the leading candidates.
The likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp have also been touted as contenders for the role but both seem much less likely than the English trio.
In a message to fans on Tuesday morning, Southgate 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.
‘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.
It was a painful end to his England tenure for Gareth Southgate (Picture: Getty Images)
‘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.
‘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.’
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