Gareth Southgate Steps Down as England Manager
After eight years, Gareth Southgate steps down as England manager following a 2-1 loss to Spain in the European Championship final. Southgate leaves a legacy of leading the team to back-to-back finals and transforming their fortunes but falling short of winning a major trophy.
Key Points
- Southgate announced he was stepping down as England manager after eight years
- His contract was due to expire this year
- Southgate led England to back-to-back finals at the Euros and to the semifinals of the World Cup in 2018
- England was in the top five of FIFA's rankings for six years under Southgate
Pros
- Led England to back-to-back finals at the Euros and to the semifinals of the World Cup in 2018
- Transformed the fortunes of England's underperforming national team
- Record of winning tournament games was extraordinary
Cons
- Was unable to end England's decades-long wait for a first major trophy since the World Cup in 1966
- Faced fierce criticism for the team's early performances