Julius Okorie
Life abhors a vacuum so they say, and so England have flagged off search for a new manager barely hours after Gareth Southgate stepped down.
Gareth Southgate was appointed England manager in 2016. Under the watch of the 53-year-old tactician, England reached first World Cup semi-final for 28 years in 2018 in Russia and first major men’s final in 55 years at Euro 2020 at the Wembley.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe came close to clinching the just ended Euro 2024 in Germany but achieved the record of playing back to back finals in the championship. The FA has revealed that the process of appointing Southgate’s successor is under way.
“It’s time for change, and for a new chapter,” said Southgate, describing managing his country’s national team as an honour.”It has been the honour of my life and meant everything to me.”
Southgate’s statement read in full: “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.
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FA Chief Executive, Mark Bullingham, says England aim to have to a new manager “as soon as possible” but that an interim boss will be in place “if needed” for the UEFA Nations League campaign, which begins against Republic of Ireland on Saturday, September 7.
Bullingham added: “The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now under way and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible. We know there will be inevitable speculation, but we won’t be commenting further on our process until we appoint.”
Ordinarily, Southgate’s contract was due to expire at the end of this year, but ahead of Euro 2024, he admitted to German publication Bild that could be a fast-track if England did not lift the trophy. The Three Lions fought hard but lost 2-1 to Spain in Berlin.
The highs and lows of Southgate’s tenure
September 2016 – Appointed England manager
July 2018 – England reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 28 years but fall 2-1 to Croatia
June 2019 – England reach the semi-finals of the inaugural Nations League but fall 3-1 to Netherlands
July 2021 – England reach the final of the Euros for the first time but fall to Italy on penalties after a 1-1 draw
September 2022 – England were relegated from the top tier of the Nations League after failing to win any of their six matches
December 2022 – England were knocked out of the World Cup by France in the quarter-finals
July 2024 – England reach the Euro 2024 final with dramatic knockout wins over Slovakia, Switzerland and the Netherlands – but fall to Spain in Berlin.
Matches that Await England New manager
England’s upcoming fixtures (All Nations League)
September 7: vs Republic of Ireland (a)
September 10: vs Finland (h)
October 10: vs Greece (h)
October 13: vs Finland (a)
November 14: vs Greece (a)
November 17: vs Republic of Ireland (h)
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
