Gary Lineker praised ex-England manager Gareth Southgate (Pictures: Getty)
Gary Lineker praised Gareth Southgate for bringing ‘pride, respect and a togetherness’ back to the England team following his resignation as manager.
Southgate was expected to take a few days to make a decision over his future with England after suffering another European Championship final defeat on Sunday night.
The 53-year-old, who took over the national team in 2016, led England to two Euros finals but came up short in both, with Italy winning Euro 2020 and Spain lifting the Euro 2024 trophy.
Under Southgate, England also reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the quarter-finals of the Qatar World Cup in 2022.
Ex-England striker and Match of the Day host Lineker was critical of Southgate’s team during Euro 2024 and described one of their performances in the group stage as ‘s**t’.
But Lineker was full of praise for the job Southgate has done over the past eight years after the news broke of his resignation.
‘Wishing Gareth Southgate all the very best in the future,’ Lineker posted on X. ‘He brought pride, respect and a togetherness to England that we hadn’t seen for a long time.
‘He was close, very close to footballing immortality and he always did the job with humility, decency and dignity. Thank you, Gareth.’
Southgate passed 100 games in charge of England during Euro 2024 but his team once again came up short in Sunday’s final against Spain.
Explaining his decision to step down, 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.
‘The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of.
‘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.’
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was one of the first England players to react to Southgate’s resignation.
Rice, who played in all seven of England’s games during Euro 2024, said: ‘Thank you gaffer. It’s been a privilege to play for England under your guidance.
‘Memories that will stay with me forever. All the best in your next adventure.’
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham, meanwhile, praised Southgate for ‘transforming’ the men’s team since his appointment back in 2016.
‘Over the last eight years they have transformed the England men’s team, delivering unforgettable memories for everyone who loves the Three Lions,’ he said in a statement.
‘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.
‘However, it is his record of winning tournament games which is most extraordinary. In the 25 tournaments post 1966 before Gareth took charge, we had won seven knockout games.
‘In his four tournaments we have won nine. So, in his eight years, he has won more games that really matter than in the previous 50 years.
‘And of course, we have had strong tournament performances throughout their tenure. We came so close to winning the Euros in London and securing the first trophy for our men’s team for over 50 years – and came so close again in Berlin on Sunday.
‘Before Gareth, our longest time ranked in the top five in the world was seven months. In his tenure we have been ranked there for six years.
‘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.
‘We are very proud of everything Gareth and Steve achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them.’
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and ex-Chelsea manager Graham Potter are believed to be the frontrunners to take over from Southgate.
FA chief Bullingham added: ‘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.’
More to follow…