Gareth Southgate candidly opened up about the responsibility he felt as England manager just days before announcing his resignation. The 53-year-old today announced he has stepped down as leader of the Three Lions, saying it is time for a 'new chapter' for the national team. Following England's defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday night, Gareth said: "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," he said in a statement. "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.
" Just days earlier after the team's victory against Netherlands, which propelled them into the tournament's final, Gareth expressed his true feelings about how disheartening it was to see the criticism against himself and his team. At the same time, he revealed his excitement to see them in yet another Euro final under his reign, describing it as a 'special time'. Speaking in a press conference on Thursday, he began with the poignant statement: "We all want to be loved, right?" He continued: "When you're doing something for your country and you're a proud Englishman and when you don't feel that back, and all you read is criticism, it's hard.
So to be able to celebrate a second final is very very special and especially with fans who have travelled, the amount of support is amazing. "The amount of money they spend.