Gareth Southgate has resigned as England manager after the side’s late loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Southgate leaves his post as England's third longest-serving manager, taking charge of 102 matches and winning 61, going down as one of the country's most successful managers.
He led England to the final of Euro 2024, having taken the side to his first show-piece match three years previously, when they lost to Italy at the delayed Euro 2020.
That was England's first ever final in the European Championship, and first major final since winning the World Cup in 1966.
Southgate's contract was due to expire in December of this year, admitting to German publication Bild in June that the tournament in Germany was probably his last chance at silverware at the helm of the national team.
After 102 games and almost eight years in charge, Gareth Southgate has announced he is to leave his role as manager of the #ThreeLions.
— England (@England) July 16, 2024
Southgate released a statement on Tuesday morning in which he paid tribute to the players, staff, and fans who supported him and England throughout his eight-year tenure.
"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," the 53-year-old said.
"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."
Southgate paid homage to assistant manager Steve Holland, who worked with Southgate in the under-21s and joined him when Southgate took the helm of the senior side. Holland has also left his role and Southgate called him "one of the most talented coaches of his generation."
"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," he added.
"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.
"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.
"Thank you, England – for everything."
Southgate was appointed in 2016 following the embarrassing loss to Iceland at Euro 2016, which had left the side in a state of turmoil. Roy Hodgson's replacement, Sam Allardyce, was forced to resign due to off-field activities just one game into his tenure.
Former Middlesbrough manager Southgate then led the Three Lions in four major tournaments, reaching the final of Euro 2020, where they were defeated on penalties by Italy.
England were the bookmakers' favourites heading into Euro 2024, and remained so going into the knockout rounds with a favourable last-16 draw against world No. 45-ranked Slovakia, who they beat thanks to late goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
Southgate’s men then beat Switzerland in a penalty shoot-out in their quarter-final after a 1-1 draw, before again coming from behind to beat Netherlands 2-1 in the semi-final thanks to Ollie Watkins' last-gasp strike.
Sunday’s final saw England go behind through Nico Williams, with substitute Cole Palmer equalising in the 73rd minute with a shot from outside the box.
Spanish substitute Mikel Oyarzabal then netted the winner and condemned England to heartwrenching back-to-back defeats in Euros finals.
Eurosport