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      Major update on Gareth Southgate’s successor as ‘England chiefs give formal approval for appointment of foreign boss’

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      FA chiefs have given their formal approval for a foreign manager to replace Gareth Southgate as England boss, it’s been claimed.Southgate resigned from the role after England’s second successive European Championships final failure last month.Gareth Southgate resigned from his role as England manager last monthCredit: REXFA chiefs have given Mark Bullingham the green light to pursue a foreign manager to succeed SouthgateCredit: PANewcastle United boss Eddie Howe and the out-of-work Graham Potter are the standout English candidates to succeed Southgate.But the FA aren’t hellbent on having an Englishman at the helm of the ship.That’s according to The Guardian, who claim the FA’s nine board members have given chief executive Mark Bullingham their blessing to pursue the services of a foreign manager.The FA brass are said to have an “open mind” over who will replace the recently departed Southgate, who restored the feel-good factor around the national team.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt’s claimed that Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegmann is a contender to replace Southgate.The 54-year-old guided the Lionesses to Uefa Women’s Championship glory in the summer of 2022, five years after leading her native Netherlands to the title.The out-of-work Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino are also viable contenders to take up the job.But it’s claimed former Chelsea managers’ respective wage demands could be problematic.Most read in FootballThe pair, 50 and 52 respectively, will likely demand much more than the cool £5million a year Southgate was paid for the gig.Only two foreign managers have ever taken charge of England.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSouthgate’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. Sven Goran Eriksson was the first, with the Swede being appointed as Kevin Keegan’s successor in 2001.Italian Fabio Capello, who succeeded new Jamaica manager Steve McClaren, had the job for four years from 2008 to 2012.Lee Carsley for EnglandThe first England match of the post-Southgate era will see the Three Lions take on the Republic of Ireland in a Nations League clash next month.Lee Carsley, who is currently Under-21s gaffer, is expected to be in interim charge of the team. More

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      Ben White ‘considering shock England U-turn’ after Gareth Southgate stepped down as manager

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      BEN WHITE is considering a shock return to the England national team set up following the departure Gareth Southgate, according to reports.The Arsenal star sensationally ruled himself out of international selection in March after a speculated fall out with assistant coach Steve Holland.Ben White could be open to playing for England after Southgate stepped downCredit: GettyThe Arsenal star reportedly fell out with Steve Holland in 2022 – who has also left England following their 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro finalCredit: GettyIt was widely reported that White had decided to turn his back on the Three Lions and did not want to be considered for selection.Southgate admitted he would consider White again if he had a change of heart, but the 26-year-old never did. The controversy came in the wake of an alleged bust-up between White and Holland during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.But, according to the Daily Star, White is now considering a return to the fold following the departures of Southgate and Holland. READ MORE SPORT NEWSThe defender fell out with Holland after a ‘pointed remark’ – and left the England camp during the tournament to return home.He was never picked again – despite being one of the most consistent full-backs in the Premier League.In March, it was revealed that the rift between the pair was sparked by Holland questioning White’s interest in football.Southgate’s assistant reportedly asked Kyle Walker a question related to Manchester City ‘s performances in the previous season, before posing the same question to White in regards to Arsenal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhite allegedly claimed he did not know the answer, leading Holland to state that was down to his lack of interest in football.The Arsenal defender had previously reported – and since reiterated -that he doesn’t watch football and didn’t when he was growing up.Gareth Southgate quits as England manager after Euro 2024 exitNonetheless, White is a top drawer player and has impressed under Mikel Arteta for the last two title-chasing Premier League campaigns.As such, the news of his U-turn will be a huge boost to whoever the FA decide to pick as Southgate’s replacement.The front runner is Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, who confirmed his commitment to St James’ Park this week.England Under-21s manager Lee Carsley, as well as former Chelsea managers Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino, is also in the frame.  Harry Redknapp: Lampard or Gerrard should be next England managerI’VE a message for all those who reckon the search for England’s next manager is a two-horse race — you’re bang on!And while we’re at it, here’s another… I bet very few of you have narrowed it down to the same couple of candidates as me.If the odds are spot-on, finding Gareth Southgate’s replacement is a toss-up between Eddie Howe and Graham Potter.Well in my book it’s a straight head-to-head, too. But I’m even more convinced that the men I see as obvious front-runners will be lucky to even get an interview.I doubt there are many who’d agree with me either, when I say the FA should look no further than Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard for the next Three Lions boss.Either of them could do the job standing on their head, yet probably neither will get so much as a phone call.Mind you, plenty of people will insist there’s no reason why they should because they’ve already written off both as failures.Forgetting that Frank reached an FA Cup final and finished fourth in his first spell at Chelsea.Or the fact that Everton were in such a mess, he never had a prayer when he went there.There’s every chance they’ll gloss over Stevie’s time at Rangers, despite their first title win in a decade — unbeaten as well — and say he was a flop at Aston Villa.But you show me a manager who’s not had a tough time of it somewhere down the line. Potter certainly did at Chelsea — he only lasted 31 games and lost 11 of them.So did Unai Emery, the man who replaced Stevie as boss at Villa, when he was Arsenal manager. It happens to everyone out there.So what’s the difference between Potter and Frank?Why is one an obvious candidate for England, yet the other not even worthy of a mention?Nothing against Eddie or Graham, by the way. Eddie’s doing well enough at Newcastle without absolutely tearing it up.And Potter did a good job at Brighton before Chelsea but he had good recruitment and was working with good players.Look at some of the names he had and where they ended up.Alexis Mac Allister won the World Cup and went to Liverpool. Leandro Trossard is at Arsenal, Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo joined Chelsea, Yves Bissouma is with Tottenham.There’s no doubt Potter or Howe would be a safe pair of hands. A steady Eddie. Just like Gareth was eight years ago — which is why they will probably get a chance.But if the FA want someone steeped in football knowledge — at international level too — and who knows the game inside out at that level, both Frank and Stevie leave them standing.The players would love it as well. They’d be desperate to play for them.They would have nothing but respect whether it was Lampard or Gerrard as boss.So, are they both on the scrapheap for good because they’ve had a failure somewhere down the line? There won’t be any managers left before long if that’s all it takes.And here’s another thing as well. While you need a thick skin to be a club manager, it’s not a patch on the one demanded at international level.That goes for players — certainly the senior ones — as well. And Stevie and Frank could tell you all about that better than most.Some of the stuff Frank had to put up with back in the day was horrendous, horrible stuff.It was the same for Gerro, especially when he was captain.But the pair of them stood up and came through it. And that’s the sort of character you want and need as England manager.It’s not about being a fantastic coach. When do you really get the chance to prove that with England? You don’t.You’re not out there every day doing shape, shadow play and the like. For one thing you tend to pick the team at the last minute because you don’t want it leaking out!It’s about managing, not coaching and there is a difference. It’s about picking the best players in the right positions.It’s about attacking and being positive — and in my book, nothing would be more positive than giving Stevie or Frank a call.But I’d be very surprised if anyone at the FA even picks up the phone and dials their numbers. More

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      The England job should be a two-horse race – give Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard the chance to replace Gareth Southgate

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      I’VE a message for all those who reckon the search for England’s next manager is a two-horse race — you’re bang on!And while we’re at it, here’s another… I bet very few of you have narrowed it down to the same couple of candidates as me.The FA are searching for Gareth Southgate’s replacement as England managerCredit: AlamyHarry Redknapp believes Frank Lampar] and Steven Gerrard should be consideredCredit: GettyThe pair have had mixed success since becoming managersCredit: PAIf the odds are spot-on, finding Gareth Southgate’s replacement is a toss-up between Eddie Howe and Graham Potter.Well in my book it’s a straight head-to-head, too. But I’m even more convinced that the men I see as obvious front-runners will be lucky to even get an interview.I doubt there are many who’d agree with me either, when I say the FA should look no further than Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard for the next Three Lions boss.Either of them could do the job standing on their head, yet probably neither will get so much as a phone call.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMind you, plenty of people will insist there’s no reason why they should because they’ve already written off both as failures.Forgetting that Frank reached an FA Cup final and finished fourth in his first spell at Chelsea.Or the fact that Everton were in such a mess, he never had a prayer when he went there.There’s every chance they’ll gloss over Stevie’s time at Rangers, despite their first title win in a decade — unbeaten as well — and say he was a flop at Aston Villa.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut you show me a manager who’s not had a tough time of it somewhere down the line. Potter certainly did at Chelsea — he only lasted 31 games and lost 11 of them.So did Unai Emery, the man who replaced Stevie as boss at Villa, when he was Arsenal manager. It happens to everyone out there.’Get him in’ – England fans reveal who they would like to replace Gareth Southgate after Euro defeatSouthgate’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. So what’s the difference between Potter and Frank?Why is one an obvious candidate for England, yet the other not even worthy of a mention?Nothing against Eddie or Graham, by the way. Eddie’s doing well enough at Newcastle without absolutely tearing it up.And Potter did a good job at Brighton before Chelsea but he had good recruitment and was working with good players.Look at some of the names he had and where they ended up.Alexis Mac Allister won the World Cup and went to Liverpool. Leandro Trossard is at Arsenal, Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo joined Chelsea, Yves Bissouma is with Tottenham.There’s no doubt Potter or Howe would be a safe pair of hands. A steady Eddie. Just like Gareth was eight years ago — which is why they will probably get a chance.But if the FA want someone steeped in football knowledge — at international level too — and who knows the game inside out at that level, both Frank and Stevie leave them standing.The players would love it as well. They’d be desperate to play for them.They would have nothing but respect whether it was Lampard or Gerrard as boss.So, are they both on the scrapheap for good because they’ve had a  failure somewhere down the line? There won’t be any managers left before long if that’s all it takes.And here’s another thing as well. While you need a thick skin to be a club manager, it’s not a patch on the one demanded at international level.That goes for players — certainly the senior ones — as well. And Stevie and Frank could tell you all about that better than most.Some of the stuff Frank had to put up with back in the day was horrendous, horrible stuff.It was the same for Gerro, especially when he was captain.But the pair of them stood up and came through it. And that’s the sort of character you want and need as England manager.It’s not about being a fantastic coach. When do you really get the chance to prove that with England? You don’t.You’re not out there every day doing shape, shadow play and the like. For one thing you tend to pick the team at the last minute because you don’t want it leaking out!It’s about managing, not coaching and there is a difference. It’s about picking the best players in the right positions.It’s about attacking and being positive — and in my book, nothing would be more positive than giving Stevie or Frank a call.But I’d be very surprised if anyone at the FA even picks up the phone and dials their numbers.Southgate successor must be rightBy Phil ThomasAndrew Bailey is the governor of the Bank of EnglandCredit: ReutersIN the week when a high-profile resignation letter has been headline news, picture this scenario for a second.After four years as governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey decides he has had enough and walks away.As one of the highest-profile positions in Britain, finding the perfect replacement is imperative.It is an appointment that will have far-reaching effects on the entire nation, so there is no margin for error. Quite simply it MUST be the right person.So, as the door to the boardroom swings open, in come the two men who will have the final say on picking the ideal candidate… Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.The pair of them in full kit, still muddied and sweating from the training ground, plonking themselves down ready to grill the waiting queue of applicants.See what I mean about an imaginary scenario?Because of course it could never happen in real life.Specialist appointments can only be made by those qualified to pass judgement.Southgate’s England recordHere is a look at Gareth Southgate’s record as England manager.Overall recordGames: 102Wins: 61Draws: 24Losses: 17Goals scored: 213Goals conceded: 72It would be ludicrous, clearly.Kane and Bellingham may be gifted footballers with stardust in their boots but bring little to this particular party.It would demand someone from a financial background.Someone qualified for the job. Anything else would be folly, totally laughable.Couldn’t happen. Any more than if, for example, you were looking to fill the highest profile sporting role in football, if that suddenly became vacant.You wouldn’t turn to men whose expertise was, say, in the commercial or marketing sectors.You’d want someone steeped in football knowledge.Only when push comes to shove, it doesn’t actually work like that after all. That became evident the moment Gareth Southgate’s “I quit” letter landed on the FA’s doormat.The second when we discovered the men who are charged with making the most important domestic football appointment in eight years.Chief executive Mark Bullingham   and   technical   director John McDermott are the kingmakers within the FA who will make the call.So come on then.How many out there would be able to pick them out of a line-up?How many out there could tell you the first thing about them?Would you, for example, need Google to tell you McDermott joined the FA in 2020, after 15 years as Tottenham’s head of academy coaching and player development?Would you know without the internet’s help that Bullingham is the former director of marketing at the America’s Cup, who arrived initially as the new commercial chief?Would you recognise either if they walked past you in the street?Most probably you wouldn’t have a clue even if they were wearing name tags.Both of them on big fees, talking about the system and the process and the DNA of understanding English football.Living in their FA bubble, unknown and faceless to the football fans of the nation, and now charged with making a massive decision.Look, picking the national manager has never been an easy task.There has never been a unanimous choice.Admittedly there would have been if Brian Clough had ever got the call, but that was as likely to happen as I was to make it.But at least when the likes of Jimmy Armfield or Trevor Brooking were involved, you’d accept it a little more. Men you first knew as players, as internationals themselves, in Jimmy’s case 15 times as England skipper.Not as people who you could argue are as likely to be swayed by stats and facts from a laptop, rather than hands-on experience and know-how.You might not agree with their decisions, but you certainly never questioned their right and capability to make them.Not like with McDermott and certainly Bullingham, arguably the most awkward-looking man in a tracksuit ever.It doesn’t mean the decision they make will definitely be wrong when they discuss the merits of candidates Graham Potter, Eddie Howe and Lee Carsley.READ MORE SUN STORIESYou wouldn’t admire them any less if they had the b******s to take a gamble and go foreign, not with an obvious Poch-style appointment, but a Marcelo Bielsa or Nestor Lorenzo.But neither would you risk too much on them making the right call in the first place.Southgate can hold head highBy Phil ThomasIF Gareth Southgate deserved anything from the England job, it was the right to go on his terms, when he decided.While the merits or otherwise of his skills as a manager are open to debate, his standing as an all-round good egg are not.Eight years ago he was appointed as a safe pair of hands, with the primary aim of rekindling belief and interest in the Three Lions when both were at an all-time low.In that respect, it is very much job done. In that respect it was job done within a few months.But now he’s fallen on his sword, don’t let’s rewrite history and talk of him as some sort of footballing groundbreaker.He was a decent, not dynamic, manager. In the Euros, he was 90 seconds from a more shameful exit than Roy Hodgson’s against Iceland.Under his command, England couldn’t win an average tournament despite having the most gifted squad, when the draw totally opened up in their favour.Just like the last one, at home. Or against an ageing Croatia in the 2018 World Cup.So yes, praise the man, by all means. But as a coaching connoisseur?Even he would be thoroughly embarrassed at that.England’s job advert for new bossThe FA’s seven requirements to succeed Gareth Southgate:Will hold a Uefa Pro License.Will have significant experience of English football, with a strong track record delivering results in the Premier League and/or leading international competitions.Will be an exceptional leader who understands and will enjoy the international football environment.Will be experienced in successfully identifying, managing and developing English qualified players.Will be highly resilient and comfortable in a very high-profile role with intense public scrutiny.Will have a track record of creating a high performing, positive team culture and environment.Will have strong personal values and integrity and understand and embrace the role that the England Men’s Senior Team Head Coach has inspiring the nation. More

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      Man Utd legend Paul Scholes urges England to hire ‘win win’ Gareth Southgate replacement after announcing exit

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes has urged England chiefs to hire a “win win” replacement for Gareth Southgate.Southgate, 53, announced yesterday that he was stepping down from his role as England boss after eight years and 102 games in charge, saying he believed it was “time for a change”.Paul Scholes has urged England chiefs to appoint Pep Guardiola as the new England managerCredit: GettyScholes took to Instagram to share a picture of Guardiola with the caption ‘win win’Gareth Southgate stepped down yesterday after eight years in chargeA number of potential successors have been named to take over. However, 66-cap Three Lions star Paul Scholes reckons the perfect person for the job is none other than Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.The Spaniard is entering the final season of his contract with City and has suggested it could be his farewell season at the Etihad.Scholes, 49, took to his Instagram page to share his thoughts on the managerial situation and posted a picture of Guardiola with the caption “win win”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile a hire such as Guardiola would be a huge coup for FA bosses, a reason why Scholes might view it as a double win would be the stripping of the Premier League’s best coach away from City.Guardiola has guided City to an unprecedented four English league titles in a row.Only Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have managed to usurp Guardiola and co in the last six seasons, while Chelsea won the league in the Spaniard’s debut season back in 2016/17.As a result, Scholes may view the removal of the 53-year-old from the City bench as a positive for his old club Man Utd, who he would doubtless be hoping could capitalise on the power vacuum.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBack in February, Guardiola said he would like to manage a national team when he leaves City. He told reporters at the time: “A national team. I would like to train a national team for a World Cup or a European Championship. I would like that.Gareth Southgate quits as England manager after Euro 2024 exit“I don’t know who would want me! To work for a national team they have to want you, just like a club.“When I started in this I never thought about winning a league title or winning the Champions League. No. I thought, I have a job? OK.“I would like to have the experience of living through a World Cup, or a Euro or a Copa América, or whatever it is. I would like that.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.“I don’t know when that would be, if that is five, 10, 15 years from now but I would like to have the experience of being a manager in a World Cup.”Despite reaching back-to-back Euros finals, England tasted defeat twice, once to Italy on penalties in Euro 2020 and then on Sunday for Euro 2024 as they were outplayed by Spain.But a serial winner such as Guardiola – having also won titles with Barcelona and Bayern Munich – could be the push this young and talented England squad needs to win some silverware after what will be 60 years of hurt for the men’s team.Southgate turned England from deluded group of individuals into heroes who love pulling on white shirt, writes Charlie WyettGARETH SOUTHGATE won nothing but changed everything, writes Charlie Wyett.The decision for him to resign is the correct one but Southgate leaves a legacy which will hugely benefit his successor.So 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.So 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.He 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.Under 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 has been a class act and he leaves with his head held high.England 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.Read Charlie Wyett’s full article on Gareth Southgate.Or check out all of Charlie’s Euro 2024 columns.FA bosses do reportedly want to sign Guardiola up for the full vacant Three Lions post, and are willing to wait to do so.With Southgate stepping down, England chiefs want to get a new coach in place before the Nations League starts in September. SunSport understands England U21 boss Lee Carsley is in pole position to be the next senior team manager on an interim basis.READ MORE SUN STORIESOther names linked include the likes of Klopp, Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Eddie Howe, though Newcastle have issued a hands off warning over signing Howe.Meanwhile, it’s also been reported that England Women’s head coach Sarina Wiegmann is also in the running for the job after she saw the Lionesses qualify for Euro 2025 as they look to defend their crown.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

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      Gareth Southgate gave us back our pride in the Three Lions – and plenty of memorable moments along the way

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      GARETH Southgate deserved to win a trophy as England manager.Unfortunately, you don’t always get what you deserve in life.Gareth Southgate became England boss in 2016Credit: GettyIn his eight year reign, England have reached two finals but Gareth’s final loss in the 2024 Euros was his last strawCredit: PANo man could have worked harder to give the country the silverware it craved and no man cared more about our national team.As a player he went through agonies after missing that fateful penalty against Germany at Euro 96 — and victory as a manager in the Euro 2024 final against Spain on Sunday would have been a wonderful redemption.Southgate himself said he didn’t believe in fairytales — and there was to be no happy ending as ultimately England came up short again when it mattered.But his legacy should be one of great achievement, not of failure.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThis is an England boss who transformed our feelings towards the Three Lions.Hardened fans, who claimed they only cared about their club, fell back in love with England during Gareth’s eight years in charge.As The Sun’s chief football writer, I followed England through the Sven Göran Eriksson era, on to Steve McClaren, then Fabio Capello and Roy Hodgson.None of them could hold a candle to Southgate.Most read in FootballEriksson could not get past the quarter-finals and McClaren didn’t even qualify for Euro 2008.Then there was Italian disciplinarian Capello, who always gave the impression that he was doing us a favour and didn’t want to be there before he eventually quit.Lee Carsley for EnglandHodgson’s reign was a disaster.After being thrust into Euro 2012 in an emergency, we somehow made the quarter-finals.But his team went out of the 2014 World Cup finals after two games before being dumped embarrassingly out of Euro 2016 by Iceland.England fans had had enough.They couldn’t be bothered with the national team any more and neither, it seemed, could the players.Southgate, who had joined the FA in 2011 to improve coaching standards and develop youth football, was under-21s boss at the time but didn’t fancy the senior job.The environment was too toxic and he wasn’t sure he wanted the hassle.But, after Sam Allardyce’s ill-fated one-match reign, the FA went back to Southgate to test the water by taking temporary charge.Southgate took it on reluctantly and, when the FA then wanted to make his position permanent, he made it clear he had to have free rein to do the job on his terms.This was to be a new England with no club cliques, no wars with the media and an openness and honesty from coaches and players.No time for negativityHe never believed it was the impossible job as many claimed before him.He had no time for negativity.Fans may not care about the relationship between players and the media.But Southgate knew if he encouraged his squad to open up, he could foster an atmosphere where everyone was on board.Hodgson’s coach, Gary Neville, used to actively dissuade players from engaging with the media.What an irony that Neville now makes millions as one of our game’s foremost TV pundits.Neville would have hated the Southgate regime.He loved the old days when he and his United mates sat on one table and Liverpool stars sat on another and never the twain would meet until they were out on the pitch.Southgate’s regime was properly inclusive and if you didn’t like it you didn’t get picked.As England progressed and reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, we could see the manager’s efforts being rewarded.He followed that with a penalties defeat against Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley, a quarter-final loss to France at World Cup 2022 and Sunday’s final defeat against the imperious Spanish.Southgate came so close.Maybe there always was a vital ingredient missing that prevented him getting across the line in tournament football.Maybe he was too cautious at times, as his critics complained.And it was sad to see the feelgood factor he had so carefully nurtured over those eight years begin to disintegrate at Euro 2024.Southgate did not take it well when ex-pros who he considered allies, such as Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, stuck the boot in and he was shocked at having beer cups dropped on him by disgruntled supporters.Lineker calling England “s***” on his podcast went down particularly badly, not just with Southgate but the whole England camp.It was still something of a surprise to discover Southgate was so rattled by it, even though publicly he argued it didn’t affect him.He seemed to view criticism of his team and tactics as a personal attack on him when often it was just an assessment of the performance.Questions were raised about his loyalty to certain players, especially his captain, Kane, who did not appear fit despite his claims that he was 100 per cent.Interim manager Gareth Southgate celebrating England’s first goal against MaltaCredit: Times Newspapers LtdDuring his time in charge, Southgate had shown his ruthless streak in ending the international career of England legend Wayne Rooney and for this Euros he axed Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson, who were almost considered his mates.Yet he couldn’t bring himself to leave Kane out when we could all see he was struggling and he had two very capable alternative strikers in Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney.Gareth always trusted in his game-plan, and that included Kane up front even with a dodgy back.The argument that he should have won Euro 2024 with such a talented group of players was certainly one for debate.Yet look at our history.There were plenty of teams we thought had the talent yet they failed miserably, most notably the Golden Generation of Eriksson’s reign.Plenty of entertainment along the wayYes, the Euros was a let-down and England were probably lucky to make the final.But Southgate, by some distance, turned his England team into the most successful since Sir Alf Ramsey’s World Cup winners of 1966.He gave us plenty of entertainment and fun along the way and a reason to feel proud.We were even starting to crack it at penalty shoot-outs.Most importantly, Southgate was a thoroughly decent human being throughout it all, treating everyone with respect — whether you were a player, a fan or part of the media.It’s not easy to maintain those traits in such a high-pressure job when the focus of the whole country is on you and you’re getting pelters.The essence of Southgate is brilliantly captured in James Graham’s play Dear England, which follows the trials and tribulations of this rarest of football men.The script is being rewritten for the play’s return next May to take in the defeat against Spain and you’ll no doubt need a tissue to dab away the tears of frustration.It’s a crying shame the finale will not be featuring tears of joy.Five biggest momentsSouthgate led England to an important penalty win against ColombiaCredit: GettyENGLAND had a dire penalty shoot-out record before Southgate’s era.But a new mettle was shown as the Three Lions beat Colombia on spot-kicks at the 2018 World Cup on their way to the semi-finals.Luke Shaw scored the fastest ever goal in a Euros finalCredit: GettyLUKE Shaw scored the fastest ever goal in a Euros final with his strike after just two minutes at Wembley.But joy turned to despair as it was Italy who went on to win Euro 2020 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.Real Madrid ace Jude Bellingham scored a 95th-minute overhead kick to tie a knockout game against SlovakiaCredit: ReutersWITH England seconds from an embarrassing Euro 2024 exit at the hands of Slovakia, Real Madrid ace Jude Bellingham scored a 95th-minute overhead kick to tie the game.The spectacular goal gave Southgate’s men renewed impetus and they went on to win the last-16 encounter in extra-time with captain Harry Kane bagging the winner.Gareth faced down vile racist chants from Bulgaria fans at a Euro 2020 qualifierCredit: The FASOUTHGATE and his players faced down vile racist chants from Bulgaria fans at a Euro 2020 qualifier in Sofia.The Three Lions chose to play on despite the option of abandoning the game — and thumped them 6-0.READ MORE SUN STORIESOllie Watkins powers England to the Euro 2024 finalCredit: GettySUPER-sub Ollie Watkins fired in a last-minute winner to beat the Dutch 2-1 in their Euro 2024 semi-final.It meant Southgate became the first England boss to lead the country to two major tournament finals.Southgate timeline1990: Bursts on to the scene with Crystal Palace — making debut as a dynamic central midfielder.1991-95: Becomes a pivotal force in Palace’s dramatic rise to the Premier League and is captain at 23.1995: High-profile move to Aston Villa for £2.5million, reinventing himself as a central defender — and wins League Cup at the end of his first season.1996: Plays every minute for England at Euro 96 — but misses the decisive penalty in the semi-final shoot-out against Germany.2001: Signs for Middlesbrough for £6.5million.2004: Captains them to their first-ever major trophy — the League Cup.2006: Retirement as a player and then becomes Middlesbrough’s manager.2009: The team is relegated from the Premier League and he gets sacked.2013: After taking up FA role in 2011, he takes the helm of England’s U21 team, laying the groundwork for future success.2016: Takes over senior side as interim manager after Sam Allardyce’s exit and is later confirmed as permanent boss.2018: Leads the Three Lions on an exhilarating run to the World Cup semi-finals, achieving their best finish since 1990.2019: Reaches the Uefa Nations League semi-finals with England.2021: Writes “Dear England” letter, which unites the nation following months of Covid lockdowns. Takes England to the Euro 2020 final, but is defeated by Italy on penalties.2022: England lose in World Cup quarter-finals.2024: His second and last Euro final, beaten by Spain More

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      How classy Gareth Southgate turned England from deluded group of individuals into heroes who love pulling on white shirt

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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

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      Lee Carsley in pole position to succeed Southgate as interim manager and lead England into Nations League campaign

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      LEE 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.It is understood England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley will be handed the reignsCredit: AlamyGareth Southgate announced he was stepping down as England manager earlier todayCredit: AFPFA 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.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, SunSport understands German tacticians Tuchel and Klopp are not realistic prospects at this stage.Carsley, 50, has been in the England youth set up since 2018.The Birmingham born coach was firstly England U21 assistant manager, before taking over the U20 side and then becoming the U21 boss in 2021.In 2023, England faced Spain in the final of the U21 European Championship final and managed to claim a 1-0 victory courtesy of a first half injury-time winner from Curtis Jones.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCarsley has an incredible record as U21 manager, winning 79 per cent of his 29 matches in charge.When Southgate first took over the England team following Sam Allardyce in 2016, it was initially only on a temporary basis.The Sun’s Shaun Custis and Charlie Wyett discuss Gareth Southgate quitting as England manager and who could replace himHowever, after going unbeaten in his first four games with two wins and two draws, the FA appointed him as the full manager to lead the team forward.In the end the 53-year-old managed 102 games while putting England on their most successful tournament run since 1966.He oversaw England reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and reached back-to-back European Championship finals for the first time in the nation’s history.However, after eight years in charge Southgate said he believed it was “time for a change”.In an emotional 331-word statement, he 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.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.”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.Southgate’s England recordHere is a look at Gareth Southgate’s record as England manager.Overall recordGames: 102Wins: 61Draws: 24Losses: 17Goals scored: 213Goals conceded: 72″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.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. “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.”Tributes poured in for Southgate following news of his resignation from players, pundits, royals and politicians alike.Declan Rice said: “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.”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.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.”Elsewhere, former England star Gary Neville said: “Thank you Gareth you did a great job.”Jamie 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!”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.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.”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.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.”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.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIn the FA’s thank you statement, CEO Mark Bullingham confirmed Southgate’s successor was being searched for.And now the new coach in question looks set to be Carsley, who is intimately familiar with the England national team set up.Next England manager oddsGraham Potter – EvensEddie Howe – 3/1Mauricio Pochettino – 4/1Lee Carsley – 10/1Frank Lampard – 10/1Jurgen Klopp – 10/1Pep Guardiola – 16/1 More

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

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      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