GARETH SOUTHGATE stood down as England manager today, saying it is time for a “new chapter” for the national team.

He announced his decision to quit in a statement issued by the FA this morning, following the team’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday night.

“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,” he said in a statement.

“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.”

Southgate took charge in 2016, following the team’s ignominious exit to Iceland in that summer’s Euros and the short-lived reign of Sam Allardyce.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham paid tribute to Southgate’s achievements in leading England to successive European Championship finals, as well as to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in his first tournament at the helm.

Bullingham indicated the process to find Southgate’s successor “is now under way” and said the FA had an “interim solution in place if needed,” with the team’s next matches coming in the Nations League in September.

Southgate himself backed his players to go on and “win the trophy we all dream of” in the future.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Bullingham’s statement highlighted just how far England had come on the pitch under Southgate.

“In the 25 tournaments post 1966 before Gareth took charge, we had won seven knockout games. In his four tournaments we have won nine,” Bullingham said.

“So, in his eight years, he has won more games that really matter than in the previous 50 years.

“And of course, we have had strong tournament performances throughout their tenure. We came so close to winning the Euros in London and securing the first trophy for our men’s team for over 50 years — and came so close again in Berlin on Sunday.

“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.”

Bullingham also highlighted Southgate’s wider impact on the team, beyond the on-field achievements.

“We look back at Gareth’s tenure with huge pride — his contribution to the English game, including a significant role in player development, and in culture transformation has been unique,” he said.

“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.

“We are very proud of everything Gareth and [his assistant] Steve [Holland] achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them.”

Players from the England squad took to social media to pay tribute to Southgate’s impact during his tenure as manager. 

Jude Bellingham said: “I’d like to thank Gareth and his staff for the great memories during his tenure. From the point of view of a fan who has become a member of the squad, it’s been a roller-coaster of amazing emotions that has instilled hope and joy back into our country.

“It was a privilege to be led by someone who is so dedicated and passionate, not only is Gareth easily one of the best coaches in the history of the national team but also an unbelievable human being. Thank you for everything and all the best in the next chapter, gaffer.”

Jordan Pickford and Declan Rice also took to social media to express their thanks to Southgate.

Everton goalkeeper Pickford wrote on Instagram: “Completely gutted. This will hurt for a while. Appreciate everyone who supported us during the tournament and I’d like to thank all my team-mates and staff for their work throughout.

“I also want to say a special thank you to the boss for always believing in me during his time with us and I would like to wish him all the best in his next steps. Thank you Gareth.”

Arsenal midfielder Rice, a mainstay for Southgate, appearing in every game for England at the last three major tournaments, posted in an Instagram Story: “Thank you gaffer. It’s been a privilege to play for England under your guidance.

“Memories that will stay with me forever. All the best in your next adventure.”

Current England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley, who led his group to Euros success last summer, would appear an obvious contender to take on the job on an interim basis, if not in the longer term.

Southgate initially succeeded Allardyce on an interim basis in 2016.

England take on the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on September 7 before facing Finland at home on September 10.