Ex Crystal Palace and Aston Villa star quits manager role after Euro 2024 heartbreak

Former Crystal Palace and Aston Villa defender Gareth Southgate has announced that he has left his post as England manager following heartbreak in the Euro 2024 final against Spain.

The Three Lions fell at the final hurdle once again at the tournament, succumbing to a 2-1 defeat in Berlin on Sunday night. Today, Southgate has confirmed that he will leave the role to allow for change within the international set-up.

Southgate managed his country for 102 fixtures in eight years and his current contract was set to expire later this year. The former defender is the only England manager other than 1966 World Cup winner Sir Alf Ramsey to take the England men's side to a major tournament final. He also reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the quarter final in 2022.

The England boss had been criticised for his cautious approach to England tactics in Germany this summer but leaves the job after an impressive stint having taken over from Sam Allardyce in 2016. Southgate, who was born in Watford, came through the Crystal Palace youth academy before making his first team debut in 1990.

The former player won the Football League First Division with The Eagles in 1994 and racked up 117 appearances for the South London club. He would go on to represent Aston Villa and Middlesbrough, winning the Football League Cup in 1996 and 2004, as well as finishing as a runner-up in the UEFA Cup with Boro in 2006.

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In an emotional statement today, 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.

"The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of. 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."