My thoughts exactly, one of the most successful England coaches we’ve ever had but it’s time for a change
I'm hoping that's not the case, he's a young lad and far too much was expected of him. His form was off second half of the season and that carried on through the euros but he is clearly a very talented lad who will only grow in stature over time. His youthful exuberance aside, he seems a likeable lad as well. Fingers crossed the nation puts its arm around him.
He can leave with his head held high. Two finals?? Never sure I would ever see that. Tough man to follow now.
Great words from the fella... Gareth Southgate has announced he has stepped down as England’s manager after eight years. The Football Association had hoped he would extend his contract after he led the team to the final of Euro 2024 but Southgate has decided to seek a new challenge. “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England,” Southgate said. “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.” Gareth Southgate has also spoken about the players he has managed since being appointed England manager in 2016. "I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football," he said. "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’." The 53-year-old is England’s most successful manager in terms of consistent major tournament performance. England also reached the European Championship final in 2021, losing to Italy, and a World Cup semi-final in 2018, when they were beaten by Croatia. In his other World Cup, the team were eliminated by France in the quarter-finals. Gareth Southgate ends his departing words with a message of thanks to the supporters. He said: "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."
Let’s hope whoever comes in can get the best out of that absolute mega bunch at his disposal in time for the wc and euros in uk and Ireland 2028
Needed doing so well done Gareth. Now for a manager who prefers to play in the opponents half more than he did.
Didn't like Southgate as manager personally, it got to the point where I didn't watch the matches because I just didn't like the football. That said, the memories of the football will fade and the statistics will remain. They'll tell the story of a very successful coach who took England a long way before seemingly hitting his limit. Think there is a very big career waiting for him in Italy if he can find it. Tuchel interests me. Everywhere he goes he stays two years, wins and ****s off. If he repeated that at England, it would be the world cup.
2028 may well represent our best chance of winning a trophy. Not only will we have home advantage (although I'd rather win it elsewhere or the fact we only win at home will be held over us) but players like Rice and Bellingham will be more mature. I'd rather Southgate had had the chance to lead us to that tournament after the groundwork he's put in. Whoever is in charge by then I hope is given greater leeway and respect by the public and press than pretty much every previous England manager have received.
Who gets the job now then? Carsley I'd imagine was the natural successor but will they stick with that plan? Potter seems a good fit and is still out of work. Could they tempt Howe to leave the mags? Doubt they go foreign.
Centre forward could be a pretty large problem in 2028 unless someone young comes through the ranks in the next four years. Would be a shame if we don't manage to do anything with Kane, a generational talent, up front but it looks like time is ticking on that one.
I think he had already made his mind up before the tournament. He can go with his head held high. He's got rid of the club clique that seemed to exist previously and got them to work as a club side
Kane's a difficult one in my opinion. Certainly a great player but I think his retirement would render a Southgate England team more effective.
Watkins or Toney are such a downgrade on the Kane we’ve seen over the years, be very difficult to replace him. A change of style could benefit someone else though
Watkins would have been more effective than Kane in this tournament, with England playing how they were. Sadly, the outrage if Kane was dropped wouldn't make it worth the while.
