Gareth Southgate has called it quits after eight years in charge of England (Picture: Getty)
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 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 vs Spain.
But the FA must now begin their search for Southgate’s successor, with plenty of high-profile contenders 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 was appointed as England manager in 2016 (Picture: Getty)
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.’
Graham Potter
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.
Whilst his spell in the Stamford Bridge hotseat was a disappointment, Potter’s stock in the game is still high following on from his impressive spells at Swansea and Brighton.
Graham Potter has been out of work since his sacking by Chelsea (Picture: Getty)
Eddie Howe
Eddie Howe has worked miracles in the North East, taking relegation-threatened Newcastle into the Champions League inside a year-and-a-half.
The Magpies’ Head Coach has long been linked with the England job, having impressed many in the game ever since taking Bournemouth from League 2 and all the way into the Premier League.
Whilst leaving Newcastle’s hugely ambitious project in its prime would be a hugely difficult decision to make, the lure of the biggest job in the English game could be too much to resist.
Lee Carsley
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.
The 50 year-old knows many of the current Three Lions squad well, having coached them at England youth level.
And an internal FA appointment would be in-keeping with the move that saw Southgate land the top job in 2016 having been the U21 boss.
Lee Carsley has impressed with the U21s (Picture: Getty)
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A foreign appointment?
A foreign appointment, meanwhile, should not be discounted with both Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino both having enjoyed success in England in previous roles.
Jurgen Klopp, fresh from having stepped down as the Liverpool boss, would surely be the dream appointment for the FA – but the German has gone on record to say that he needs a much-needed break from the stresses and strains of the beautiful game.
Next England manager odds
Graham Potter: 6/4
Eddie Howe: 5/1
Lee Carsley: 11/2
Thomas Tuchel: 6/1
Mauricio Pochettino: 7/1
Jurgen Klopp: 14/1
Ralf Rangnick: 16/1
Frank Lampard, Pep Guardiola: 20/1
Jose Mourinho: 25/1
Michael Carrick: 33/1
Sean Dyche, Gary O’Neil: 40/1
Brendan Rodgers, Steven Gerrard, David Moyes, Steve Cooper, Steve Holland, Wayne Rooney, Sarina Wiegman, Ange Postecoglou: 50/1
Odds via Betfair
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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