Praise for Southgate after he steps down as England manager

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters has praised Gareth Southgate's contribution to English football after the England manager announced he is stepping down.

England reached 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 took a squad of 24 Premier League players to this summer's EURO 2024 in Germany, narrowly losing to Spain in the final but inspiring a nation along the way as well as playing a key role in the development of the nation's next stars. 

"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 Premier League Chief Executive, Richard 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. 

"We should not underestimate the positive impact of Gareth’s leadership on the future of the English game. 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.  

"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 departs after 102 matches and nearly eight years in charge of the national team, leading England to back-to-back European Championship finals, as well as the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup. 

"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.

"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.

"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."

Read in full Southgate's message to England fans