Conflicted really, off the pitch this is the most connected/happy I've been supporting England. Whether that's down to Southgate or the players being infinitely more likeable I'm not sure. On the pitch, despite the semi finals/finals we really should be doing better or at least making the most of the players we've got.
”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. “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.”
Reckon Southgate would have walked even if we’d won the damn thing. Excellent man manager for me who got us all excited again football wise but in the end almost certainly took England as far as he could. Good luck to the guy.
He's massively improved the whole England set up and did really well at the start but its the right time for a change
I’m torn on this one, you can’t argue against the consistency with the finishing position at the recent major tournaments. But as with Liam I find his style of football to be awful to watch. so thanks & goodbye
He’s done a brilliant job, far better than his predecessors who all had similar playing resources. I don’t blame him for going, he has achieved what he can and probably doesn’t need any more of the kind of abuse he has received. A fresh start with a new manager could be really exciting - both for fans, and for people who like grumbling about England managers!
England won't be seeded in the World cup qualifiers . Having been relegated in the Nations League it means they will highly likely end up in a lot tougher Group . The 12 seeded teams will be decided after the Sept-Nov League final standings
I think it's clearly the right decision now. He's done a great job and moved things forward significantly, but the negativity that his name attracts, rightly or wrongly, is becoming too much of a distraction now. With each tournament it has increased, and in the early stages of this one things became ridiculously toxic. Whoever the new manager is, we as a country really need to re-think our relationship with them. It shouldn't be adversarial. They shouldn't be criticised for sticking to their favourites and then also lampooned for dropping some of the regulars, or be met with fury for playing a player out of position when the alternatives are to play someone else out of position. It is obvious that Southgate couldn't win whatever he did at times. That adds an extra difficulty to the job of making the team successful and we obviously could do without that. I'd prefer an English manager and I think Graham Potter is the standout candidate on a technical level, but then he's the most likely to be seen in the same light and get the same treatment Southgate did, because he's not a big name and will be prone to the usual inane shouts of "FA yes man" (whatever that actually means). He might also be already weary in the same way Southgate has become, due to his spell at Chelsea where he was absolutely hung out to dry.
