The Prince of Wales praised Southgate for a “first-class performance all round” and showing “humility, compassion and real leadership” after he resigned as England manager following their defeat in the Euro 2024 final.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also paid tribute to Southgate, praising him as “a mentor to our brilliant young talent” who laid the “foundations for future success”.
EFL chairman Prince William thanked Southgate for being an “England fan” and praised him for dealing with “the most intense pressure and scrutiny”.
Prince said he created a team that “works alongside the best teams in the world.”
Gareth, I want to thank you – not as President @FAbut as @England fan.
Thank you for creating a team that will compete with the best in the world in 2024. pic.twitter.com/Fq2ytO4em6
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 16, 2024
Southgate announced his decision to resign in a statement released by the FA on Tuesday morning, saying it was time for the national team to start a “new chapter”.
In a message posted on X, William said: “Gareth, I want to thank you – not as FA chairman, but as an England fan.
“Thank you for creating a team that will compete alongside the best in the world in 2024. Thank you for demonstrating humility, compassion and true leadership under the most intense pressure and scrutiny.
“Thank you for your all-around class performance. You should be extremely proud of what you have accomplished. W.
Starmer also thanked Southgate for “bringing back the hope and faith that this country has been crying out for so long” in a message posted on X.
He added that Southgate “brings a deeper understanding of what this job is about and what it stands for”, noting that he is “a thoughtful spokesman that goes well beyond football”, This could be a reference to Southgate’s reflections on diversity and modern British identity.
Today I join everyone in saying thank you to Gareth Southgate and his team for all they have achieved and for laying the foundations for future success. pic.twitter.com/H2sEW6i5NA
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 16, 2024
Southgate’s announcement comes two days after the Three Lions lost 2-1 to Spain in Sunday night’s final.
The prince took his son Prince George to Berlin to cheer for the team.
Southgate said: “As a proud British man, it has been the honor of my life to play for and coach England. It means everything to me and I have given my all.
“But now it’s time for a change and a new chapter. Sunday’s final against Spain in Berlin is my last game as England manager.
Southgate, who took over the role in 2016, has backed his players to move on and “win the trophies we all dream of” in the future.
“I’m proud of them and I hope we support the players and teams at St George’s Park and the FA who work every day to improve English football and understand the power of football to drive positive change,” he added.
BBC pundit and former England striker Gary Lineker says the outgoing England manager should be remembered for his “humility, decency and dignity” despite falling short of “football immortality” Not even close.
Lineker criticized Southgate and England’s performance during the World Cup, writing on , respect and solidarity.
I wish Gareth Southgate all the best for the future. He brought pride, respect and unity to people @England We haven’t seen each other for a long time. He was very close to football immortality and he always did it with humility, decency and dignity. Thank you,…
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 16, 2024
Former England defender and Southgate team-mate Gary Neville said he was not surprised by the decision.
He told Sky Sports News: “I think there were hints throughout the game when he spoke that he thought now might be the time.
“I’m not sure if it’s based on Sunday’s result, it’s just a feeling after that game. He’s had eight amazing years and exceeded every expectation of every England fan. He deserves to be on his own terms By the end of the day, he had done just that.
Neville added that Southgate has achieved “incredible things” off the pitch. He said: “How difficult is it to manage the politics, the media, the competition that exists between clubs and countries in England? He has removed a lot of obstacles.
England striker Jude Bellingham has told BBC News he has “nothing but respect” for Southgate, who handed him his first-team debut. He added that he felt their relationship went beyond football and he felt he could “open up” to his manager. “That says a lot about the kind of person he is,” he said.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford also praised Southgate, writing on Instagram: “I would also like to say a special thank you to the manager who has believed in me throughout his time with us and I wish him all the best for his next step. .Thank you Gareth.
Stars including One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson and YouTuber Josh Zerker paid their respects.
Tomlinson wrote on X: “Thank you Gareth Southgate for the incredible memories you have given us over the past 8 years!”
Zeke, from YouTube group Sidemen, shared a selfie from the England game and wrote: “Thanks Southgate for the memories!”
