Gareth Southgate has announced his resignation as the coach of the England national football team following their defeat to Spain in the Euro Cup final. Despite reaching the final, the performance of the team throughout the tournament was underwhelming, leading to widespread criticism and calls for Southgate's departure.
Southgate, who has been at the helm for eight years, expressed pride in his tenure and the young talent within the team. However, he acknowledged that it was time for a change and a new chapter for both himself and the national team. His contract with the FA was set to expire in December 2024, but he decided to step down immediately.
The search for Southgate's successor has already begun, with several high-profile names being considered. Newcastle's Eddie Howe is currently the favorite, but other candidates include former Chelsea managers Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, and Graham Potter. The possibility of a German coach taking over has also been discussed, with Jürgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel mentioned as potential candidates.
Despite the criticism, Southgate's tenure included notable achievements such as reaching two consecutive Euro Cup finals. However, the inability to secure a major title has left a sense of unfinished business. The FA and fans are now looking for a new leader who can guide the team to victory in future tournaments.
- Southgate's resignation comes after a series of lackluster performances by the England team. Throughout the European Championships, the team struggled to find cohesion and effective gameplay, often relying on narrow victories and extra time to advance.
- The criticism from fans and pundits alike was relentless, with many pointing out the team's inability to capitalize on their talent. England's xG value of 6.43 was notably lower than that of Croatia, who were eliminated in the preliminary round.
- The potential successors to Southgate bring a mix of experience and fresh perspectives. Eddie Howe, currently managing Newcastle, has expressed interest in the role, describing it as 'the best job.' Meanwhile, the idea of a German coach like Klopp or Tuchel taking over adds an intriguing dynamic, given the historical rivalry between England and Germany in football.
