GARETH Southgate has quit his role as England manager TWO DAYS after Euro 2024 heartbreak.
Spain edged the Three Lions 2-1 in the final with a late winner from Mikel Oyarzabal.
Southgate goes down as one of England’s greatest-ever managers after leading his country to two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final during his tenure.
SunSport understands Lee Carsley is in pole position to take over as interim England boss and is expected to lead the Three Lions into their Nations League campaign, which starts in September.
The FA are on the search for the next person to lead a talented young group of players with Newcastle’s Eddie Howe and former Chelsea gaffer Graham Potter amongst the names linked to the post.
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Lee Carsley in pole position to succeed Southgate as interim manager EXCLUSIVE
Carsley is in pole position to take over as interim England boss after Gareth Southgate’s exit following Euro 2024, SunSport understands.
The former Everton star, who is currently in charge of the U21 side, is expected to lead the Three Lions into their Nations League campaign which starts in September.
FA bosses are big fans of Newcastle manager Eddie Howe but feel Carsley is best placed to take over for the next match against the Republic of Ireland.
A move for Carsley would mirror the appointment of Southgate in 2016 who was promoted from U21s boss to England manager – also initially on an interim basis.
The FA have confirmed they are already working on appointing the next manager, and want the position to be sorted by the time the Nations League campaign starts in September.
A number of candidates have been linked with the vacant position, including Graham Potter, Howe, Thomas Tuchel and Jurgen Klopp.
However, SunSport understands German tacticians Tuchel and Klopp are not realistic prospects at this stage.
Jurgen Klopp ‘approach’
Liverpool hero Dietmar Hamann claims the FA will approach Jurgen Klopp over replacing Gareth Southgate.
Hamann told TopOffshoreSportsBooks:
Jurgen Klopp wants to take a year off and the German national team manager role is taken, but I’m pretty sure England will approach Klopp.
I think a lot of people would be very happy if he were to take over the national team. He said he’s taking a sabbatical so is it possible to wait for six months or maybe let him take over next summer?
There are a few qualifiers but qualifying has always been pretty comfortable for England. I think they will ask him whether he wants to do it and then it’s up to him whether he would accept it or not, Thomas Tuchel might be interested as well.
Years ago it would have been hard to imagine a German manager in England but the chances have never been better than it’s going to happen in the next few months.
On paper, Jurgen Klopp is best placed to lead England to World Cup glory in 2026 because of what he did at Liverpool. He managed to win the Premier League and two Champions League titles, with the squad he had he did wonderful things.
I think with the squad England have got now and also the age of the players, I think they’ll be a force for the next two or three tournaments. Obviously the next World Cup is in two years’ time. It’s certainly something which could get England fans dreaming.
Dietmar Hamann
Graham Potter tip
England hero Paul Parker advised the FA to hire Graham Potter as Gareth Southgate’s replacement.
Parker told mybettingsites.co.uk:
Graham Potter fits the profile in my opinion. The way he is as a person and the way he manages teams, everything suggests to him.
Eddie Howe? Does he really need that? Does he really want that? Does he want to win something as a manager at Newcastle before he goes and takes the England job? Because if he goes and wins a trophy at Newcastle, then that might be the time to walk away from Newcastle.
And to be fair, if you want to do it and that’s a great way of doing it and that’s backing yourself. It’s then easier to walk away from a club like Newcastle.
To manage England, to put yourself in that position to get persecuted every couple of years.
Paul Parker
Prince William sends message
Prince William has thanked Gareth Southgate for his tenure as England manager.
The FA president said: “Gareth, I want to thank you – not as the President of the FA, but as an England fan.
“Thank you for creating a team that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest in 2024. Thank you for showing humility, compassion, and true leadership under the most intense scrutiny and pressure.
“And thank you for being an all-round class act. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved. W.”
Beckham reacts
David Beckham has reacted to Gareth Southgate’s departure as England manager.
The former Three Lions captain wrote on Instagram: “Thank you boss. You wasn’t just one of our most successful managers but you also did it with elegance. Congratulations to you and your staff.”
Howe on England job
Footage has resurfaced of what Eddie Howe said about the England job.
The Newcastle manager has been tipped as a candidate to replace Gareth Southgate in the role.
Howe was previously linked with the Three Lions in 2016 during his time at Bournemouth and have a telling answer when asked about taking the job.
He said: “The England job is the ultimate, I would never say no.”
Southgate favourite for new job
Gareth Southgate is the favourite to succeed Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager after leaving England.
His odds of becoming the next Red Devils boss have been slashed following his resignation.
William Hill have made Southgate the joint-favourite alongside Mauricio Pochettino.
Next Manchester United manager odds
William Hill prices
- Gareth Southgate 2/1
- Mauricio Pochettino 2/1
- Roberto De Zerbi 5/1
- Kieran McKenna 6/1
- Thomas Frank 7/1
- Thomas Tuchel 9/1
- Ruud van Nistelrooy 10/1
Reaction to Southgate’s exit
The Sun’s Shaun Custis and Charlie Wyett have given their thoughts on Gareth Southgate’s departure as England boss.
Southgate confirmed his resignation on Tuesday after eight years in charge of the Three Lions.
The Sun’s Shaun Custis and Charlie Wyett discuss Gareth Southgate quitting as England manager and who could replace himWaddle calls for Guardiola
England legend Chris Waddle has urged the FA to appoint Pep Guardiola as Gareth Southgate’s successor.
Waddle told Lord Ping: “The FA should be ambitious. They should be thinking about replacing Gareth Southgate with the best possible candidate available.
“If we want to win something, if we want to see this group of players play to their absolute potential, then we need to appoint the best.
“I’ve heard that Pep Guardiola is thinking about international management when he leaves Manchester City.
“He wants to work with a group of players that are capable of winning something, so England should tick all the boxes for him. The FA should be on his case.
“They should have a conversation and see if there’s interest. If there is, then they should be doing absolutely everything possible to bring him in.”
Klopp tipped for England
Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has tipped Jurgen Klopp to replace Gareth Southgate as England boss.
He told TopOffshoreSportsBooks: “Jurgen Klopp wants to take a year off and the German national team manager role is taken, but I’m pretty sure England will approach Klopp.
“I think a lot of people would be very happy if he were to take over the national team. He said he’s taking a sabbatical so is it possible to wait for six months or maybe let him take over next summer?
“There are a few qualifiers but qualifying has always been pretty comfortable for England. I think they will ask him whether he wants to do it and then it’s up to him whether he would accept it or not, Thomas Tuchel might be interested as well.
“Years ago it would have been hard to imagine a German manager in England but the chances have never been better than it’s going to happen in the next few months.
“On paper, Jurgen Klopp is best placed to lead England to World Cup glory in 2026 because of what he did at Liverpool. He managed to win the Premier League and two Champions League titles, with the squad he had he did wonderful things.
“I think with the squad England have got now and also the age of the players, I think they’ll be a force for the next two or three tournaments. Obviously the next World Cup is in two years’ time.
“It’s certainly something which could get England fans dreaming.”
Southgate’s first XI
Just two players remain from Gareth Southgate’s first England starting XI.
Kyle Walker and John Stones both started in a 2-0 win over Malta in October 2016.
Daniel Sturridge and Dele Alli scored in the World Cup qualifying victory at Wembley Stadium.
Moment Southgate let it slip
Was this the moment Gareth Southgate accidentally let slip he was quitting England after Euro 2024?
After the final defeat to Spain, he spoke about England being in a strong position as he dropped a big hint he was set to resign.
Southgate said: “I think England are in a really good position in terms of the experiences they’ve got now. The age of the squad.
“Most of this squad are going to be around not only for the World Cup but the next Euros as well.
“There’s a lot to look forward to but this moment is not any consolation.”
England fixtures
The incoming England manager will not have long to settle in with the Three Lions back in action in less than three months.
England have six matches across September, October and November in the Nations League.
Meanwhile, qualifying for the 2026 World Cup starts in March next year.
England fixtures:
- September 7 – Ireland (a)
- September 10 – Finland (h)
- October 10 – Greece (h)
- October 13 – Finland (a)
- November 14 – Greece (a)
- November 17 – Ireland (h)
Lineker wishes Southgate the best
Gary Lineker has taken to social media to react to the news of Gareth Southgate’s departure.
The former England striker wrote on X: “Wishing Gareth Southgate all the very best in the future.
“He brought pride, respect and a togetherness to @England that we hadn’t seen for a long time.
“He was close, very close to footballing immortality and he always did the job with humility, decency and dignity. Thank you, Gareth.”
England could hire interim boss
England could hire an interim manager following Gareth Southgate’s exit.
The Three Lions have started the process of hiring a new manager, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham confirmed.
In a statement, he said: “Our UEFA Nations League campaign starts in September, and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed.”
Pickford reacts
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has reacted to Gareth Southgate’s exit.
The Everton stopper re-shared a snap of himself and the outgoing Three Lions boss hugging.
He also wrote: “Thank you Gareth,” with a praying and England flag emoji.
Rice thanks Southgate
Declan Rice has thanked Gareth Southgate on social media.
The departing England boss handed the midfielder his Three Lions debut in 2019.
Rice wrote on Instagram: “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.”
Well wishes flood in
Famous faces have thanked Gareth Southgate for his tenure as England manager on social media.
One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson wrote: “Thank you Gareth Southgate for the incredible memories you’ve given us all over the last eight years.”
Presenter Jake Humphrey added: “Gareth Southgate changed the mentality of English football. He leaves us believing again. I’ve seen people saying that losing two finals will leave a mark. Let’s reframe that… Making two finals will leave a mark. Thank you Gareth.”
Bellingham responds
Jude Bellingham has responded to Gareth Southgate’s departure as England manager.
The midfielder reposted the FA’s farewell post to his Instagram story.
Carragher message
Jamie Carragher has reacted to Gareth Southgate’s exit as England manager.
The former Three Lions man wrote on social media: “It’s been a great ride for all involved over the last eight years.
“Two finals, semi-final and a quarter-final in Gareth Southgate’s four tournaments is a very touch act to follow.”
England at major tournaments under Southgate
Gareth Southgate managed England at four major tournaments during his eight years in charge.
He reached two finals, with his worst finish being a quarter-final loss to France at the 2022 World Cup.
- 2018 World Cup – Fourth place
- 2021 Euros – Runners-up
- 2022 World Cup – Quarter-finalists
- 2024 Euros – Runners-up
Bullingham statement continued
“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.
“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.”
England website crashes
England’s website crashed after Gareth Southgate announced his departure.
Southgate confirmed his exit with an emotional statement on the FA website.
However, the national team site was unable to handle the amount of people who wanted to read Southgate’s last words.
And just minutes after it was released, the website page crashed.
Bullingham statement
FA CEO Mark Bullingham has released a statement following Gareth Southgate’s departure as England manager.
He said: “On behalf of English football, I would like to pay tribute to Gareth Southgate and to Steve Holland for everything they have achieved.
“Over the last eight years they have transformed the England men’s team, delivering unforgettable memories for everyone who loves the Three Lions. 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. However, it is his record of winning tournament games which is most extraordinary.
“In the 25 tournaments post 1966 before Gareth took charge, we had won seven knockout games. In his four tournaments we have won nine. 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.”
England next manager odds
Here are William Hill’s odds for the next England manager following Gareth Southgate’s exit.
Next permanent England manager
William Hill odds
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- Graham Potter – 6/5
- Lee Carsley – 3/1
- Eddie Howe – 4/1
- Mauricio Pochettino – 7/1
- Thomas Tuchel – 8/1
- Jurgen Klopp – 10/1
- Frank Lampard – 14/1
- Pep Guardiola – 16/1
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
