Gareth Southgate has stepped down as England manager. After an eight-year reign as England boss and managing 102 games, the 53-year-old has decided to call it quits. His decision comes in the wake of England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the European Championship final on Sunday.
It is learnt that four candidates are on the FA shortlist to replace Southgate – Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, former Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea manager Graham Potter, former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino and ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel. Pochettino is popular with players and staff, but if the English football’s governing body sticks to its principle of appointing an Englishman for the job, then Howe could be the preferred choice.
Southgate leaves the job as the second-most successful England manager after Sir Alf Ramsey. He guided the team to back-to-back European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final in 2018. He took England as far as he could, but failed to cross the finishing line. His style of football was criticised, but England became very consistent under his charge. More importantly, after taking over in 2016, he restored pride in England and fixed a fractured dressing room. He was loved and respected by the players.
“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England,” Southgate said in his farewell message, via English football’s official website. “It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.”
For the Latest Sports News: Click Here
He added: “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 needs to be seen if the FA offers Southgate some consultancy role, as his experience could be invaluable. He is also said to be on Manchester United’s radar. Dan Ashworth, who is now United’s sporting director, was instrumental in appointing Southgate as England manager in 2016. Ashworth was with the FA then and he and other board members at the club have strong admiration for Southgate’s work.
Erik ten Hag, the current United manager, has recently signed a contract extension until 2026. But a poor start to the new season will put him on a slippery slope. Under Ten Hag, United finished eighth in the Premier League last term, with a negative goal difference.
Also Read: Mohun Bagan’s moves for Greg Stewart and Jamie Maclaren could lead to Sadiku exit