England Manager, Gareth Southgate has resigned from his position, two days after defeating Spain, in the 2024 European Championship final.
The Three Lions lost 2-1 in Berlin on Sunday — their second consecutive Euros final defeat, having been beaten on penalties by Italy at Wembley, three years ago.
Southgate, 53, managed his country for 102 games in eight years, in charge.
His contract was to expire later this year.
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“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England, and to manage England,” said Southgate.
“It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.
“But it’s time for change and for a new chapter.”
Football Association Chief Executive Mark Bullingham, said the process to appoint Southgate’s successor has started, and “we aim to have our new manager confirmed, as soon as possible.”
He added that the FA “has an interim solution in place, if it is needed,” and will not comment further on the process, until a new manager is appointed.
England’s next match is against the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League on September 7.
FA sources said they were “very unlikely to restrict the selection process to just English managers.”
Under-21 boss, Lee Carsley could be a candidate for an interim solution.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, former Brighton and Chelsea boss, Graham Potter, and ex-Chelsea and Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino are among the early favourites.
There is also some speculations around ex-Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel, who left Bayern Munich at the end of last season.
Southgate is the only manager after 1966 World Cup winner, Sir Alf Ramsey, to lead the England men’s team into a major tournament final.
He managed England at four major tournaments, also reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2018, and the quarter-finals in 2022.
In the major tournaments between 1966 and Southgate taking over in 2016, England won six knockout games in total.
Under Southgate, England won nine such matches, including two penalty shootout victories.
Pressure mounted on him this summer, with many fans believing he was not getting enough out of a talented group of attacking players.
Some supporters threw plastic cups at him after the 0-0 draw with Slovenia, in the final match of the group stage at Euro 2024.
However, he got many of them back on his side with their run to the final.
“The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent, and they can win the trophy we all dream of,” added Southgate.
“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.”
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
