Gareth Southgate LIVE: Reaction as England boss resigns and FA begins search for next manager

The 53-year-old oversaw 102 matches, winning 61 and losing just 17 during his time in charge, becoming the first manager to lead England’s men to two major tournament finals.

Gareth Southgate’s final thought was the one that probably hurt the most. “It’s the last step we haven’t been able to do,” he reflected in his final answer as England manager. He had cited the achievements, a first final on foreign soil, two in consecutive European Championships, only one defeat in 14 matches – penalties excluded – in those two tournaments, but said: “In the moment, none of the matters.”

It was a clue. Southgate was a beaten man. He is not the first leader to reach the end in Berlin, but after eight years of dignified and devoted service, the best England manager of his lifetime – and he was born a couple of months after West Germany ejected his country from the 1970 World Cup – knew he wouldn’t join Sir Alf Ramsey in the pantheon of winners.

England’s first fixture in the post-Gareth Southgate era is set to be on September 7 as they begin their Nations League campaign against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

Upcoming England fixtures

• September 7 – Republic of Ireland v England
• September 10 – England v Finland
• October 10 – England v Greece
• October 13 – Finland v England
• November 14 – Greece v England
• November 17 – England v Republic of Ireland

Gareth Southgate has called time on his seven-and-a-half-year spell as England manager after suffering defeat by Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at his tenure in pictures.

Our Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney has also been reflecting on Gareth Southgate’s time in charge on Sky Sports.

Gary Neville has heaped praise on Gareth Southgate for what the outgoing England manager achieved during his time in the role.

“He has achieved incredible things on the pitch, but he has also achieved incredible things off the pitch,” Neville said on Sky Sports News.

“How difficult it is to manage the politics of England, the media, the club-versus-country rivalries which existed – he has removed a lot of those barriers.

“He has handled penalties better than anybody, reduced the fear, so he has done an incredible job, but it will have taken a toll on him.”

One of the less heralded names being linked with the England vacancy is Lee Carsley. Jack Rathborn profiles the former Republic of Ireland midfielder, who has already led an England side to major tournament success…

England players have paid tribute to Gareth Southgate after the manager stepped down from his role after eight years in charge.

Southgate resigned after England were beaten 2-1 by Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final in Berlin, a second heartbreaking final loss at the European Championship following defeat by Italy at Wembley three years ago.