Players, pundits, and personalities from across the North have been reacting to England manager Gareth Southgate’s resignation earlier today following Sunday’s Euro 2024 defeat to Spain.
Southgate announced his decision through a statement on the England Football website, stating, “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.” He continued, “But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.” Southgate has spent 13 years with the FA, including eight as the manager for the England men’s team.
Gary Neville, former Manchester United defender and regular pundit, praised Southgate’s tenure, calling it an incredible achievement. Speaking to Sky Sports, Neville said, “He has had an amazing eight years and exceeded all expectations of every single England fan,” adding that Southgate deserved to end his term on his own terms. Neville highlighted Southgate’s handling of national team politics, media pressures, and club-versus-country rivalries as notable off-field achievements.
Neville also expressed his gratitude on X (Twitter), where he simply thanked Southgate for a “great job.” Manchester United’s rising star, Kobbie Mainoo, also took to social media to express his gratitude, tweeting, “Thank you for everything.”
Meanwhile, Dan Walker, former Radio Hallam and Key 103 sports presenter, and current 5 News anchor, called Southgate a “thoroughly decent bloke” and appreciated his contributions to the team. Walker tweeted, “Southgate steps down with typical class. Thank you Gareth.”
Alan Shearer, former Newcastle and Blackburn striker and Match of the Day regular, told BBC Sport he wasn’t surprised by Southgate’s decision. He believes Southgate possibly made up his mind before the tournament. Shearer lauded Southgate for lifting England from the low point of the 2016 Iceland result to reaching semi-finals and finals in major tournaments.
New PM Keir Starmer also shared his thoughts, predicting “future success” based on the foundation laid by Southgate. He joined many in thanking Southgate and his team for their accomplishments.
Southgate’s record speaks for itself despite being a divisive figure among fans. Under his leadership, England reached two Euros finals, a World Cup semi-final, and a World Cup quarter-final, boasting a 61% win record. Comedian Sean McLoughlin noted that Southgate managed to make the entire country like the England football team again.
Former Leeds midfielder Chris Kamara echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the mixed emotions that come with football. He expressed gratitude for the memories Southgate provided over the years.
Attention now shifts to Southgate’s replacement ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, with names like Pep Guardiola, José Mourinho, and Eddie Howe appearing on fans’ wishlists.
The football community is united in its gratitude for Gareth Southgate’s transformative impact on English football. As speculation about his successor begins, Southgate’s legacy of uniting fans and achieving remarkable results will be remembered.