Sport

Gareth Southgate stepping down as England manager

Gareth Southgate stepping down as England manager
England’s Gareth Southgate walks past the Euro 2024 trophy, © PA Wire/PA Images

The English Football Association has announced that Gareth Southgate will leave his role as manager of the England National team after 102 games and almost eight years.

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In a statement released by Southgate, he said:

"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.'"

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Gareth Southgate recently managed the England national team to their second consecutive Euro final, where they lost to Spain 2-1.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham responded to the news in an official statement: "Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success."

"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.

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"We are very proud of everything Gareth and Steve achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them.

"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."

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, Beat102103.com.

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