After 102 games over eight years, two major finals and a first World Cup semi-final for 52 years, Gareth Southgate stepped down as England manager on Tuesday.
For England fans and pundits, the news was somewhat bittersweet. Here are some of the best reactions to Southgate’s goodbye.
🗣️ “Thank you England for everything”
Gareth Southgate has released a statement after announcing he will be stepping down as the national team manager 🏴 pic.twitter.com/uBC2sgjdSj
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 16, 2024
Supporting England before Southgate was miserable, but under him it’s been a joy. Gutted that he wasn’t the man to end the years of hurt with a trophy, but he did in many other ways. When the success comes it will be because of his work, not as a result of his departure https://t.co/bbJWguOKaH
— George Elek (@GeorgeElek) July 16, 2024
Changed English football in a way that I could never have imagined and responsible for some of the best summers of my life. 2018 feels particularly unforgettable. Go well king 🫡 https://t.co/LrCrmrwBTO
— JPH (@jessyjph) July 16, 2024
A proper leader. Always carried himself impeccably with great dignity. Restored pride in the national team. Nothing but respect for the job he’s carried out, tough act to follow. https://t.co/BSJ9YrpnBI
— Ryan Taylor (@RyanTaylorSport) July 16, 2024
Doubt we’ll ever see a four tournament run like that again. He’ll be universally loved by the time the nostalgia documentaries are released in the 2040s https://t.co/SZvX4xfU0L
— Mathew (@mathewclarke) July 16, 2024
More great memories from this summer alone, where England weren’t great, than every manager since Venables combined https://t.co/9c9YD9BxLJ
— Darren Richman (@darrenrichman) July 16, 2024
Under Southgate it’s been the best time being an England fan. He’s given us so many great memories. Some will always point to the lack of a trophy win but that paints a misleading picture. He restored pride and joy back to the England mens team and I’ll be forever grateful 🏴 https://t.co/rlqyjmo2PW
— Marcus Speller (@MarcusSpeller) July 16, 2024
Given me some of the best memories of my life. Completely changed the narrative of supporting the national team and restored genuine optimism and belief. A pity he never got the trophy he deserved. Big shoes to fill. Thank you Gareth 🏴 https://t.co/6KJ7KP0YuD
— James Whaling (@jjwhaling) July 16, 2024
Took over at an incredibly low ebb and led England further than anyone else has in 50+ years, twice. He transformed the culture in the squad & made fans believe in, and be proud of, the team again.
He’s done a brilliant job. Now is the right time to move on. https://t.co/E60GlDMtDD
— Oliver Young-Myles (@OMyles90) July 16, 2024
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! https://t.co/TKnWGZUfkt
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) July 16, 2024
The FA need to change direction after Southgate. We can all agree it’s been very awkward having a kind, decent man in charge when we need to criticise him, so I say let’s appoint a real prick this time. A total piece of shit. A gnarled, wily old bastard who by God gets results.
— Paul Watson (@paul_c_watson) July 16, 2024
The greatest England manager in my lifetime, he’s given me the best days as a fan watching our national team, from picking us up from the Iceland catastrophe to making final appearances a regular occurrence.
Thank you Gareth Southgate. https://t.co/EG0PhxMA6Y
— Will Brazier (@willbrazier) July 16, 2024
Gareth Southgate steps down as England manager. He transformed the nation’s fortunes in his 8 years in charge. He made us contenders again even without the same quality of players as we had in 98 and 04. A man with class as well as a superb manager. A tough act to follow.
— Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) July 16, 2024
“We can only really thank him for what he’s done” 👏
Alan Smith reacts to Gareth Southgate’s resignation as England boss 👇 pic.twitter.com/IdBzczzC07
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) July 16, 2024
Right decision from Southgate. He’s done so much good since taking the job. Picking up the pieces from the lowest of lows and building an England team that has become as competitive as this country has ever known. Time is right for a change now after eight years though.
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) July 16, 2024
England will win a major tournament soon. And when they do, it’ll be because of the foundations of Gareth Southgate’s era.
— Chris Wise (@chriswisey) July 16, 2024
27% of the goals England have ever scored at international tournaments came under Gareth Southgate
— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) July 16, 2024
Let us know in the comments who you think the next England manager should be!
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