Wills thanks Gareth Southgate for his ‘humility, compassion and leadership’ as England manager resigns

PRINCE William sent a moving message to Gareth Southgate after he resigned as England manager following their Euro 2024 final defeat.

The coach stepped down after eight years in charge of the national team, despite his contract ending in December.

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The Prince of Wales, 42 – who is president of the FA – took his eldest son Prince George, 10, to the Three Lions’ tie with Spain in Berlin on Sunday.

The royal football fan was also seen at several other matches throughout the tournament, including England’s latest win against the Netherlands in the semi-finals.

In a social media post this morning, William said: “Gareth, I want to thank you – not as president of the @FA, but as an @England fan.

“Thank you for creating a team that will stand alongside the best in the world in 2024.

“Thank you for showing humility, compassion and true leadership under the most intense pressure and scrutiny.

“And thank you for being an all-around class act. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve accomplished. W.”

PORTA SUL RESIGNATIONS

Southgate, 53, guided the team to a second successive Euros final.

But his troops suffered even more suffering, as the Spanish lifted the Henri Delaunay Trophy for the fourth time after a 2-1 victory.

Southgate flirted with the prospect of leaving his job before the start of the tournament last month.

And the former England defender has chosen to step down after almost a decade in charge.

A statement from Southgate said: “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honor of my life to play for England and coach England. It meant everything to me and I gave it my all.

“But it’s time for change and a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my last game as England coach.

“I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men’s coach, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my sincere thanks.

“I couldn’t have anyone better by my side than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation and has been immense.

“I had the privilege of leading a great group of players in 102 games. Each of them is proud to wear the three lions on their shirts and have been a credit to their country in many ways.

“The team we take to Germany is full of young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of.

“I am very proud of them and I hope we support the players and staff 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 behind-the-scenes team who have given the players and me unwavering support over the last eight years.

“Their hard work and commitment inspires 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 meant a lot to me. I’m an England fan and always will be.

“I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players create more special memories and connect and inspire the nation as we know they can.

“Thank you, England – for everything.”

Southgate was hired as England manager in 2016 after Sam Allardyce’s only game in charge.

He worked as England under-21 coach from 2013 to 2016 before taking up the role.

While in charge of the Three Lions, he led the team in qualifying for every major tournament under his management.

Southgate’s first tournament was the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

He led the team to the semi-finals before losing to eventual runners-up Croatia.

During the run to the final four, the team managed to overcome the penalty by knocking out Columbia on penalties in the round of 16.

Fans fell in love with Southgate during the tournament and his style of dress.

Southgate’s waistcoat became a fashion trend with the piece selling out at Marks and Spencer.

He then led England to third place in the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2020.

The team finished top of the group, over Spain and Croatia, but lost to the Netherlands in the semi-final.

England then beat Switzerland in the third place match on penalties.

At Euro 2020, England finished top of the group, ahead of Scotland, Croatia and the Czech Republic.

The Three Lions reached the final at Wembley with impressive victories over Germany, Sweden and Denmark.

However, the team failed at the final hurdle as they lost on penalties to Italy.

During the build-up to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Southgate helped the team reach third place in the FIFA rankings.

The second Nations League campaign did not go so well as they were relegated to League B.

At the World Cup, England once again topped their group with wins over Iran and Wales.

They then defeated Senegal 3-0 in the round of 16, before losing to France in the quarter-finals.

England secured qualification for Euro 2024 with two games remaining and recorded home and away victories over Italy for the first time since 1977.

Before the tournament, Southgate admitted he would “probably” leave his role if England did not win the tournament.

In terms of replacements, the likes of Frank Lampard, Graham Potter and Eddie Howe are linked, while Thomas Tuchel has also thrown his hat into the ring.

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