Praise for Southgate after he steps down as England manager
Gareth Southgate’s decision to step down as England manager after nearly eight years at the helm has been met with an outpouring of gratitude and appreciation from across the footballing world. The former defender, who led England to the final of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, has left a lasting legacy on English football, not only for his on-field achievements but also for his commitment to fostering a new generation of talent and creating a team that embodies the values of the nation.
Southgate’s journey as England manager began in 2016, a time when the national team was struggling to find its identity. He inherited a team that lacked confidence, was plagued by inconsistency, and had failed to reach the latter stages of major tournaments for over a decade. However, Southgate’s calm demeanor, tactical acumen, and ability to inspire his players quickly transformed the team’s fortunes. He instilled a sense of unity and purpose, building a squad that was not only talented but also resilient, determined, and fiercely patriotic.
Southgate’s impact on the national team went beyond just results on the pitch. He recognized the importance of building a team that reflected the diversity of the nation, and he made a conscious effort to include players from different backgrounds and ethnicities. He also placed a strong emphasis on character and discipline, encouraging his players to be role models both on and off the field. This emphasis on values, along with his commitment to developing young talent, has helped to create a positive and sustainable environment for English football.
One of Southgate’s greatest achievements was instilling a sense of belief in the team, both among the players and the fans. He helped to re-ignite the passion and pride that many felt had been lost in the years prior to his arrival. He created a team that the nation could be proud of, a team that played with heart, determination, and commitment. This was evident in the way England performed in major tournaments, reaching the final in two of their four major tournaments under Southgate, having done so in only one of their previous 23 World Cup/EURO appearances before his tenure.
Southgate’s legacy extends beyond the national team. He has been a driving force behind the development of young players, working closely with the Premier League and its clubs to create a sustainable pathway for future generations of English talent. His commitment to youth development has resulted in the emergence of a new wave of exciting players who are destined to make their mark on the international stage.
- Gareth Southgate’s decision to step down as England manager has been met with widespread gratitude and appreciation from the footballing world.
- Southgate’s legacy includes leading England to the final of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, transforming the team’s fortunes with his calm demeanor and tactical acumen.
- He focused on building a squad that was not only talented but also resilient, determined, and reflective of the diversity of the nation.
- Southgate instilled a sense of belief in the team, reigniting passion and pride among players and fans alike.
- His emphasis on values, discipline, and developing young talent has created a positive and sustainable environment for English football.
Commendation from the Premier League
Richard Masters, Chief Executive of the Premier League, has paid tribute to Southgate’s contribution to English football, highlighting his impact both on the national team and on the development of young players. Masters expressed his gratitude for Southgate’s dedication and leadership, acknowledging his role in creating a squad full of character and belief that the nation can be proud of.
“On behalf of everyone at the Premier League, I would like to thank Gareth Southgate for everything he and his team of coaches have achieved with the England men’s team over the last eight years,” said Masters. “His record in leading England to the latter stages of major tournaments is second to none and he leaves a great foundation for whoever succeeds him. Gareth has not only played a significant role in developing hugely talented players, but has created a squad full of character and belief that the nation can be proud of.”
Masters also emphasized the positive impact of Southgate’s leadership on the future of the English game. He acknowledged Southgate’s close collaboration with the Premier League and its clubs since the inception of the Elite Player Performance Plan, a program designed to develop and nurture young talent. Southgate’s involvement in this program has helped to lay the foundations for a future generation of world-class English players.
“We should not underestimate the positive impact of Gareth’s leadership on the future of the English game,” said Masters. “He has worked closely with the Premier League and our clubs since the inception of the Elite Player Performance Plan, and helped lay the foundations for developing world-class young players who can compete with the very best on the international stage.”
Masters concluded his statement by praising Southgate’s integrity and his passion for the game at all levels. He expressed his confidence that Southgate will continue to achieve great things in the future, whatever path he chooses to pursue.
“Gareth is a man of great integrity who cares deeply about the game at all levels and I have no doubt he will be a huge success in whatever he goes on to do in the future. I wish him all the best.”
Southgate’s Farewell
Southgate, in a heartfelt statement, expressed his pride in serving as England manager and his gratitude to all those who have supported him throughout his journey. He acknowledged the honor of leading his country and the immense commitment he has given to the role. However, he also recognized that the time had come for a new chapter and for a fresh perspective to take the team forward.
“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,” said Southgate. “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 reflected on his journey with the FA, which began in 2011, and thanked the many individuals who have supported him along the way. He expressed his pride in the current squad, recognizing their potential to achieve great things in the future and urging the nation to continue to support them.
“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,” said Southgate. “The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of. I am so proud of them, and I hope we get behind the players and the team at St. George’s Park and the FA who strive every day to improve English football, and understand the power football has to drive positive change.”
A Lasting Legacy
Gareth Southgate’s departure as England manager marks the end of an era. He has left an indelible mark on English football, transforming the national team into a force to be reckoned with and inspiring a new generation of players. His commitment to developing young talent, creating a team that reflects the values of the nation, and instilling a sense of belief in the team has left a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit English football for years to come.
Southgate’s legacy is not just about results on the pitch; it’s about the values he instilled in the team, the opportunities he created for young players, and the sense of pride he rekindled in the nation. He has left a team that is ready to compete at the highest level, a team that is full of character, belief, and potential. The journey ahead for England may be uncertain, but Southgate has laid the foundation for a bright future. He has shown the world that English football is alive and well, and that the best is yet to come.
As Southgate departs, he leaves behind a legacy of success, inspiration, and hope. He has reconnected the nation with its football team and built a platform for future generations to build upon. The future of English football is bright, thanks in no small part to the vision, leadership, and dedication of Gareth Southgate.
