Wills thanks ‘all-round class act’ Gareth Southgate for his ‘humility, compassion & leadership’ as England manager quits

PRINCE William has sent a touching message to Gareth Southgate after he resigned as England manager following the Euro 2024 final defeat.

The coach quit after eight years in charge of the national team despite his contract running out in December.

The Prince of Wales, 42 – who is President of the FA – took oldest son Prince George, 10, to the Three Lions’ tie with Spain in Berlin on Sunday.

The royal footy fan had also been spotted at several other matches throughout the tournament, including England’s last gasp win against the Netherlands in the semi-finals.

In a post on social media this morning, William 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 pressure and scrutiny.

“And thank you for being an all-round class act. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved. W.”

SOUTHGATE RESIGNS

Southgate, 53, guided the team to their second successive Euros final.

But his troops suffered yet more heartache, with the Spaniards lifting the Henri Delaunay trophy for a fourth time after a 2-1 win.

Southgate flirted with the prospect of walking away from the job before the tournament got underway last month.

And the former England defender has opted to step down from his role after the best part of a decade in the job.

A statement from Southgate said: “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.

“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.

“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’.

“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.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, meanwhile, said Southgate had “shouldered the dreams of the country with dignity and honour”.

Southgate was hired as England manager in 2016 following Sam Allardyce’s one game in charge.

He had worked as the England under-21 boss from 2013 to 2016 before he landed the role.

While in charge of the Three Lions he lead the team to qualify for every major tournament under his stewardship.

Southgate’s first tournament was the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

He led the team to the semi-final before losing to eventual runners-up Croatia.

During the run to the final four, the team were able to overcome their penalty hoodoo as they knocked out Columbia on spot kicks in the round of 16.

Fans fell in love with Southgate during the tournament and his dress sense.

Southgate’s waistcoat became a fashion trend with the garment selling out at Marks and Spencer.

He then led England to a third-place finish in the inaugural Uefa Nations League in 2020.

The team finished top of their group over Spain and Croatia but lost to the Netherlands in the semi-final.

England then beat Switzerland in the third-place match on penalties.

At Euro 2020 England finished top of their group, ahead of Scotland, Croatia and the Czech Republic.

The Three Lions made their way all the way to the final at Wembley with impressive wins over Germany, Sweden and Denmark.

However, the team failed at the final hurdle as they lost on penalties to Italy.

During the build-up to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Southgate helped the team reach 3rd in the Fifa rankings.

The second Nations League campaign did not go as well as they were relegated to League B.

At the World Cup, England once again topped their group with wins over Iran and Wales.

They then beat Senegal 3-0 in the round of 16 before losing to France in the quarter-finals.

England secured qualification to Euro 2024 with two games remaining and recorded home and away victories over Italy for the first time since 1977.

Before the tournament, Southgate admitted that he would “probably” leave his role if England did not win the tournament.

In terms of replacements, the likes of Frank Lampard, Graham Potter and Eddie Howe have been linked, while Thomas Tuchel has also thrown his hat in the ring.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk