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GARETH SOUTHGATE won nothing but changed everything.The decision for him to resign is the correct one but Southgate leaves a legacy which will hugely benefit his successor.Southgate leaves a positive legacy for his successorCredit: GettyAs the Three Lions players are always united together on international dutyCredit: GettySo how will he be viewed in history? It might be kinder in a few years’ time. At the moment, there is still so much frustration at the way it all ended in Berlin.Yet Southgate is second only to Sir Alf Ramsey in terms of overall success and no other manager gets close.To get to two major finals — one on foreign soil for the first time — was a huge achievement.read more football newsSo was the overhaul of a dysfunctional football team which had just lost to Iceland at Euro 2016.The players were so paranoid they even refused to tell us in France who was the best at playing table tennis.That deluded group of individuals thought everyone was against them — and they weren’t.Southgate changed all that with a far more grown-up approach.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe encouraged the players to tell their own story, to express themselves, and he got rid of a siege mentality that did not need to exist.Former manager Fabio Capello used to moan that the England team played with fear. Lee Carsley for EnglandNext England manager oddsGraham Potter – EvensEddie Howe – 3/1Mauricio Pochettino – 4/1Lee Carsley – 10/1Frank Lampard – 10/1Jurgen Klopp – 10/1Pep Guardiola – 16/1Under Southgate, players loved pulling on that white shirt. There were no more cliques, no more egos and no more pulling out of squads with dubious injuries which then cleared up by the next Prem game.Southgate created a club atmosphere within the England team and now you only have to look at the pictures each time the players greet each other at St George’s Park.They are all mates, pulling together in the same direction, as it should be.Southgate had a reputation for sticking with his favourites — even though Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Jack Wilshere, Chris Smalling and Dele Alli were all dumped by him.Jack Grealish, James Maddison,  Marcus Rashford, Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire all missed out on the Euro 2024 squad. Smiling-assassin Southgate was certainly not afraid to make a big decision.In some cases, fans and pundits think the written media have been too soft on him.The reason other managers were given a harder time was because England were bloody awful at major tournaments and were considered a joke around the globe — particularly at the 2014 World Cup after finishing bottom of their group.It is also worth remembering that England failed to qualify for Euro 2008. And the team included Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, David Beckham, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole and Gary Neville.Southgate’s gone – now it’s time to go foreignBy Dave KiddThere is a natural preference to appoint an English successor.And in an ideal world, the England manager should always be English. But this is not an ideal scenario.So the FA must be ambitious in sounding out the best man for the job, regardless of nationality.Because England need a manager who would gain instant respect with players, who would be tactically bold enough to take on Spain and a strong enough character to deal with Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid Galactico status, which threatens to cause future issues within the England squad. Yes, when the FA have gone foreign in the past, it hasn’t worked out well.Yet the problem with Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello was that neither had any previous involvement in English football.They lacked knowledge and understanding of the football culture — indeed, Capello barely spoke the language.Now there is a wealth of overseas managerial talent with significant Premier League experience, including Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino, Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel.Read more from Dave Kidd on who England should turn to.Yet despite having to field international rookies Marc Guehi and Kobbie Mainoo due to injuries, Southgate was getting pelters after reaching the final.Admittedly, Southgate did not get the best out of the team at Euro 2024.In Germany, he selected an unbalanced squad, failed to make changes during games quickly enough and paid the price for starting Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Kieran Trippier when they were not 100 per cent fit.But, even though Southgate came under fire from all quarters, he put on his tin hat and dragged England to the final.Yet the criticism he received throughout Euro 2024 — and a lot of it was really nasty — clearly upset him.It will have played a part in his decision to quit yesterday. He was clearly annoyed with the digs from all pundits, not just Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.He was also deeply upset to have beer thrown at him by fans.After changing the culture and overall results over eight years with England, Southgate was stunned to have found so much hatred thrown in his direction by fans. Southgate’s England recordGames played: 102Games won 61,Games drawn 24, Lost 17, Scored 213, And conceded 72 with a 59.8 per cent win ratio.He felt he deserved better. And he was right.As a patriotic Englishman, to be ridiculed on social media will have been absolutely gut-wrenching for him.Regardless of the result on Sunday, I think Southgate would have left because of all the s**t he was getting.There is no doubt that Southgate let some colossal, history-making opportunities slip through his fingers.But football is all about fine margins. Had Hart not delivered a 10/10 performance in a World Cup qualifier at Slovenia in October 2016, England would not have escaped with a goalless draw. And Southgate would not have got the job full-time.While leading Croatia 1-0 in the 2018 World Cup semi-final, England would surely have got to the final had Harry Kane squared the ball to Raheem Sterling. At Euro 2020, in the final against Italy, there were the three penalty misses from England players.Had Kane not missed his penalty in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final against France at 2-1 down, it may have been different. Hugo Lloris said recently that England would have won easily in extra-time because the French were knackered.And then this year, there were more fine margins, Jude Bellingham rescuing England with his 95th- minute equaliser against Slovakia, a win over Switzerland on penalties.In the final, Spain’s winner was marginally onside and then England wasted chances right at the end.Southgate consoles Declan Rice after England lost to Spain in the Euro finalCredit: GettyThis felt like our time… but keep Gareth’s culture and we can win it in 2026 instead, writes Jack WilshereIT will take a while for me and every England fan to get over this, writes Jack Wilshere.To come so close to winning that trophy, only to be beaten in a second Euros final in a row, is a huge disappointment.Especially when it really felt like this was our time.It seemed that everything was coming together for us to end the long wait for a major title.But Spain deserved it. They were the better team in the final and the best team of the tournament.We will all — supporters, players, coaches, the FA — have to move on and go again.Because English football is still in a good position.Gareth Southgate has taken us to two finals, a semi-final and a quarter-final in four tournaments. We have never produced a run like that before.The challenge now is to maintain this level of competitiveness and make England even better.Southgate and his staff have done a fantastic job in changing the whole environment and narrative around the national team.Now Gareth is gone, the wider culture he has put in place must be preserved.This tournament was the biggest test of that culture the team had to go through.They overcame the problems and went all the way, only to fall at the final hurdle.But there is every reason to believe we can challenge at the World Cup in 2026 and beyond.We’ve got a really good group of players, many of them young, who can go on playing and performing for England for years.Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer — to name just five — have plenty more tournaments in them.This tournament will also be an inspiration for the next generations of players. Unfortunately there isn’t the trophy lift to take that to a completely different level.But England have delivered moments in Germany that will be replayed forever.The Bellingham overhead kick and Ollie Watkins’ semi-final winner will be recreated in playgrounds and cages up and down the country.What I would like to see now is England continuing to develop, to become a team that can consistently dominate opponents and can give a real identity to English football.We now have players who are comfortable on the ball and technically very good.The biggest disappointment of the tournament was that we didn’t see that as often as we would have liked. That leaves us with a ‘what if?’ feeling.England must not lose that old-school mentality of finding a way to win even when you’re not playing well — that never-say-die spirit which got us through this Euros more than once.But the next step is to allow other qualities to shine through, to give the players that our system is creating the platform to show  everything they can do.The job for me and for other coaches is to keep producing players that are comfortable on the ball and understand how to perform under pressure at a high level.English football is in a good place but we need to keep going. Then we will finally get over the line.Real all of SunSport columnist Jack Wilshere’s Euro 2024 columns…Where Southgate ends up will be intriguing. The 53-year-old feels he has done enough to get a big job but most fans at Premier League clubs will groan if he is appointed at theirs.It needs someone with large cojones to make a huge decision. If the season starts disastrously for Manchester United under Erik ten Hag, which it probably will, United could be looking for a manager in October.The sporting director at United is Dan Ashworth, who knows Southgate well from their time together at the FA.Although it would not be a popular decision, it would not be a surprise if Ashworth called his former colleague.But for now, Southgate just needs a break. He has been a class act and he leaves with his head held high.READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland just fell short with him in charge. There’s no denying that.But let’s hope Southgate will still get the respect he deserves and is remembered as the man who did, indeed, change everything.Maybe Kane really is cursed as trophy drought goes on… he may never get a better chance with EnglandIT now seems as though he really is cursed. Along with the rest of us, writes Charlie Wyett.Tragically, unbelievably, Harry Kane’s agonising search for a trophy still continues and you know have to wonder whether he will ever actually manage it.Certainly for England, in any case.Kane has now suffered defeat in three major club finals and two finals of the European Championships.Last night, the Three Lions captain was so ineffective that he was replaced by Ollie Watkins just after the hour.Like much of this tournament, he really struggled to make the impact when England needed him, not that he had much service.He had one shot in the first half and that was Rodri, who subsequently injured himself and went off at the break.When Cole Palmer struck that brilliant equaliser, Kane was off on his feet from the bench, only for the national team to get another kick in the bo**ocks at the end.Kane was substituted in both the games against Switzerland and Holland which England went on to win but on this occasion, he could only witness a gut-wrenching twist just when it looked as though Gareth Southgate’s team had dug their way out of trouble.The Bayern Munich striker suffered the World Cup 2018 semi-final loss against Croatia, endured heartbreak against Italy in the Euro2020 final and then missed from the spot in the World Cup 2022 quarter-final against France.He really thought that this was his time, even though England did not play well in Germany.Kane will know that he will have more opportunities with England. But not many more.The World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico seems a long way away and it will surely be under a new manager. Will England be better than they are now? Probably not.And we are all left to wonder how much better England would have been with a fit and firing Kane at his very best.Read the full verdict on the curse of Harry Kane…Or check out all of Charlie Wyett’s Euro 2024 stories… More

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.Prince William consoles Gareth Southgate after the final at the Olympic Stadium in BerlinCredit: RexPrince William and son Prince George were gutted when England lost the matchSouthgate has resigned as England manager after almost a decade in chargeCredit: APThe 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. Read more sports news”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 RESIGNSSouthgate, 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.Most read in Euro 2024Southgate 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.Kate & Wills share new pic of Charlotte & Louis watching Euros at home while George roared support from stands with dadA 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.Southgate’s England recordHere is a look at Gareth Southgate’s record as England manager.Overall recordGames: 101Wins: 64Draws: 20Losses: 18Goals scored: 229Goals conceded: 84Tournament recordGames: 43Wins: 19Draws: 12Loses: 12″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.Stars pay tribute to SouthgateStars including One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson and YouTuber Josh Zerker have all paid tribute to Southgate.Tomlinson thanked Southgate for the “incredible memories” his leadership has created.The singer wrote on Twitter: “Thank you Gareth Southgate for the incredible memories you’ve given us all over the last 8 years!”Meanwhile, Zerker, from YouTube group Sidemen, shared selfies from England matches and wrote: “Thank you for the memories Southgate!”Newsreader Dan Walker, who previously presented BBC Breakfast and Football Focus, wrote: “Southgate steps down with typical class. Thank you Gareth.”After years of average performances at major tournaments you gave us some brilliant nights on the big occasions. “You brought the team together and helped them build a platform to show the power of their voices off the pitch.”You reminded us of the sartorial significance of a waistcoat and, most importantly, you did it all at the same time as being a thoroughly decent bloke.”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.READ MORE SUN STORIESBefore 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.Southgate walks past the trophy at the end of the final matchCredit: APEngland players dejected after losing to SpainCredit: RexSouthgate has won more knockout games for England than any other manager, reaching two Euros finalsCredit: Reuters More

GARETH SOUTHGATE has QUIT as England manager.The coach leaves the role after eight years in charge of the national team despite his contract running out in December.Gareth Southgate has quit as England managerCredit: GettyThe coach had been in charge for eight yearsCredit: Getty Images – GettySouthgate is credited with restoring pride in the national team during his tenureCredit: PAThe 53-year-old guided the Three Lions to their second successive Euros final on Sunday night.But his troops suffered yet more heartache against Spain, who lifted the Henri Delaunay trophy for a FOURTH TIME thanks to a 2-1 win in Berlin.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, though he may have hinted at his decision following the defeat to Spain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA 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.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”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. Inside Gareth Southgate’s love life including secret Tesco car park meetings”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’.READ MORE ON GARETH SOUTHGATE”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.”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 led the team to qualify for every major tournament under his stewardship.Odds on next England bossHere are the latest odds from Ladbrokes:Here are the latest odds from Ladbrokes:Graham Potter – 11/10Eddie Howe – 2/1Mauricio Pochettino – 4/1Jurgen Klopp – 10/1Lee Carsley – 10/1Pep Guardiola – 14/1Ange Postecoglou – 16/1Michael Carrick – 20/1Steven Gerrard – 20/1Thomas Tuchel – 20/1Southgate’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 statement in full as he QUITS EnglandAs 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.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.Piers Morgan on why it was time for Southgate to goGARETH SOUTHGATE created a team in his own cool, calm, collected image, developed a fantastic team spirit with his players, and has performed better in major international tournaments than any manager of our national side other than World Cup-winning Sir Alf Ramsey.But when the final whistle blew in Berlin’s Olympiastadion stadium, it felt like the right moment to say goodbye to Gareth.I was there, with two of my sons, to watch England come up short, again, against Spain.And none of us was enraged.Disappointed, yes.Angry, no.Truthfully, for all our bullish ‘It’s Coming Home!’ social media posts, we knew in our hearts it probably wasn’t.Why?Because for all his ‘safe-pair-of-hands’ positives, the problem with Gareth, ironically, is that he’s just too safe.This very talented squad of players should have been ordered to play with far more attacking flair through this tournament, as Spain did.Put someone like Jurgen Klopp or Alex Ferguson in charge of these guys, managers with a love of rampaging flamboyance and with in-built desire to entertain, and we’d have won it just as we’d have won the last Euros too.Read more from Piers Morgan here.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.Southgate’s England recordHere is a look at Gareth Southgate’s record as England manager.Overall recordGames: 102Wins: 61Draws: 24Losses: 17Goals scored: 213Goals conceded: 72Before the tournament, Southgate admitted that he would “probably” leave his role if England did not win the tournament.He has been tipped for a shock career change by becoming the new sport and culture secretary.In the meantime, Southgate will spend time with his wife Alison and their two children, Mia and Flynn.Tributes poured in for Southgate as the news spread, with the statement crashing the England website.Former England star Gary Neville said: “Thank you Gareth you did a great job.”Southgate suffered heartbreak in back-to-back Euros finalsCredit: APSouthgate will spend some time with wife Alison and their two children, Mia and FlynnCredit: Getty Images – GettyJamie Carragher said: “It’s been a great ride for all involved over the last eight years. Two finals, semi final & a quarter final in Gareth Southgate’s four tournaments is a very tough act to follow!”David Beckham 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.”Gary Lineker added: “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.”Prince 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. Southgate’s England legacy should be celebrated, not torn downBy Tom BarclayGareth Southgate claimed that only winning Sunday’s final would earn England the respect of the footballing world.Spain proved a last-gasp comeback too far in Berlin, but defeat did not change the fact that Southgate’s eight-year transformation put respect back into the world of England football.Critics will pick apart his cautious tactics, his selection choices and his record in the most high-pressurised games – with some legitimacy.Yet what is quickly forgotten is the laughing stock our national side had become before he took over in 2016.A shambolic Euros exit to Iceland that summer had been followed up by Sam Allardyce quitting just one game into his tenure thanks to his pint of wine with undercover reporters.Then came Southgate, with his decency, his humility, his understated eloquence and his vision for a better, different future.He had analysed why England had so often failed in the past, from lack of preparation at penalty shoot-outs to players being bored out of their minds during major tournaments.Southgate took those findings and implemented a culture where players wanted to play for their country again – and it led to back-to-back finals for the first time in our history.Instead of going to war with the media, he opened his doors to them and discovered, shock, horror, that it was met, generally, with support. It did not stop him from being criticised when required – we are no cheerleaders, here – but the vitriol of yesteryear – or today on social media – was largely gone.No manager is perfect and neither was Southgate. We cannot pretend his teams played like those of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp.But in the fullness of time, his feats will likely be revered because the results speak for themselves.Hopefully his successor can go one step further and bring football home. To do that, they must show respect to what Southgate has created and build on it, rather than rip it down.To read more from Tom Barclay click HERE. “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.”England stars joined in too, with Declan Rice saying: “Thank you Gaffa. 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.”Jude Bellingham re-shared England’s post announcing he was leaving to his Instagram story, while Jordan Pickford shared a picture of him hugging Southgate with the caption: “Thank you Gareth.”Harry Maguire, who did not make the Euro 2024 squad but was a mainstay for much of the Southgate era said: “You made us all believe again – memories that will last forever. Thank you boss.”FA CEO Mark Bullingham 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.Southgate’s highs and lows as England bossGARETH Southgate took charge of 102 games for England before quitting in the aftermath of the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.But what were the best – and worst matches – from the popular gaffer’s eight-year reign before that devastating Sunday night in Berlin? Here we take a look.THE HIGHS:Colombia 1-1 England (3-4 on pens,) 2018 World CupThis was the night that long-suffering supporters finally started to believe that it was coming home.Despite conceding a late equaliser, England held their nerve to advance to the quarter final of the World Cup 2018 on penalties.It was our first shootout victory for 22 years.Spain 2-3 England, 2018 Nations LeagueFollowing on from the World Cup, England won in Spain for the first time in 31 years with a brilliant Uefa Nations League victory.Southgate’s boys stunned the Seville crowd into silence with a thrilling performance that saw them lead 3-0 at the break thanks to a Raheem Sterling brace and Marcus Rashford.Although the hosts scored two after the break, the way the Three Lions tore La Roja apart excited every fan.England 2-1 Denmark, Euro 2020 semi-finalSouthgate led England to their first major final in 55 years as they beat Denmark after extra-time in the Euro 2020 semi-final.Having fallen behind after half an hour, the Three Lions battled back to send it to extra-time courtesy of an own goal.Then it was captain Kane who converted a rebound after Kasper Schmeichel originally saved his penalty in extra-time to win it.England 3-0 Sengal, 2022 World Cup last 16England had already blown Iran and Wales, 6-2 and 3-0 respectively, away in the World Cup 2022 group stages before they breezed past Senegal.The free-scoring Three Lions recorded another big win to set-up a mouthwatering quarter-final against France – what could go wrong?Italy 1-2 England, Euro qualifiers, 2023On a night when Harry Kane became England’s all-time top scorer, the Three Lions recorded a first away win over Italy since 1961.It was the first game since their 2022 World Cup exit, and it ensured a perfect start to their Euro 2022 qualifying campaign.England 2-1 Holland, Euro 2024 sem-finalThe nation doubted Southgate’s men in the semis of Euro 2024, but they responded with a barnstorming display.Xavi Simons opened the scoring for the Dutch but Harry Kane’s penalty drew us level.And Ollie Watkins slotted in a brilliant winner in injury time to see the Three Lions into their second successive Euros final.AND THE LOWS….Croatia 2-1 England, World Cup semi-final, 2018Having led England to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990, Southgate men made a dream start as Kieran Trippier put them ahead in the early exchanges.But Ivan Perisic equalised as the Croats began to take control.Some of Southgate’s substitutions were then questioned after his team were beaten in extra-time, although many gave him the benefit of the doubt as he returned a hero.Italy 1-1 England (3-2 pens) Euro 2020 finalWill probably never get a better chance to have secured a trophy for the Three Lions than this final of the last European Championship.Luke Shaw gave us the lead after just seconds, but just like against Croatia three years earlier, we sat back and let our rivals back into it.Leonardo Bonucci duly equalised in the second half and the game eventually went to penalties.The unfortunate Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all brought on to take a spot-kick, but the brave trio all missed as the Azzurri broke our hearts to take the prize.England 0-4 Hungary, Nations League 2023A year on from the Euros and it was utter embarrassment for Southgate in this Nations League game at Molineux.It was our biggest home defeat since 1928 and the result led to England being relegated from the top group of the Nations League and back to one that contained the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Greece.England 1-2 France, World Cup 2022 quarter-finalsAnother case of what could have been.Having been free-scoring throughout Qatar 2022, many fancied us to go all the way at the World Cup despite taking on the holders in the quarters.We fought back from going behind to level through Kane and many believe that France were then there for the taking had Southgate deployed a more attacking approach.Instead, they seemed content with what they had until Olivier Giroud pounced 12 minutes from time to win it.But there was still one more twist of the knife for England as the usually-reliable Kane skied a late penalty over the bar uncharacteristically as we crashed out.”However, it is his record of winning tournament games which is most extraordinary…”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.”Bullingham also said England would be looking to appoint his successor “as soon as possible” before the Nations League campaign begins in September.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 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.As it stands ex-Brighton and Chelsea boss Potter is the bookies favourite.Southgate’s gone – now it’s time to go foreignBy Dave KiddThere is a natural preference to appoint an English successor.And in an ideal world, the England manager should always be English. But this is not an ideal scenario.So the FA must be ambitious in sounding out the best man for the job, regardless of nationality.Because England need a manager who would gain instant respect with players, who would be tactically bold enough to take on Spain and a strong enough character to deal with Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid Galactico status, which threatens to cause future issues within the England squad. Yes, when the FA have gone foreign in the past, it hasn’t worked out well.Yet the problem with Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello was that neither had any previous involvement in English football.They lacked knowledge and understanding of the football culture — indeed, Capello barely spoke the language.Now there is a wealth of overseas managerial talent with significant Premier League experience, including Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino, Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel.Read more from Dave Kidd on who England should turn to. More