BREAKING: Gareth Southgate Steps Down As England Manager, Following European Championship Final Defeats—-Gareth Southgate has decide to stepped down as the Three Lions Manager following their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.

The Three Lions fell at the final hurdle as they suffered a 2-1 loss against Spain. Pressure had been mounting on the 53-year-old as the championships progressed after staggering over the line to beat Serbia before enduring frustrating draws against Denmark and Slovenia, while avoiding upsets against Slovakia and Holland.

They survived a scare in the Round of 16 as they overcame Slovakia in dramatic fashion, after a late equaliser from Jude Bellingham before Harry Kane ensured their progression. Prior to the tournament, there was question marks raised over the squad travelling to Germany after Southgate opted for the likes of Lewis Dunk over Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite while regulars Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish remained at home.

England’s wait for major tournament success will drag on, three years on from their penalty shootout heartache against Italy. On Tuesday, the FA released a statement that Southgate will step down from his role after 102 games.

In a message to supporters, the 53-year-old 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. 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.

“I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.

“I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways.

“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.

“My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.

“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.”

The fallout will rumble on in light of another defeat in a major competition final for England, eight years on from the harrowing loss against Iceland in France. England will reconvene in September when they kick off their UEFA Nations League B campaign against the Republic of Ireland and Greece.