'Thank you Gareth Southgate' – England fans pay tribute to outgoing boss for 'restoring pride & joy' in national team on back of rollercoaster Euro 2024 campaign

England fans paid heartfelt tribute to outgoing England boss Gareth Southgate after the team's rollercoaster Euro 2024 campaign.

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• Southgate resigned from England job
• His eight-year reign has come to an end
• Fans show their love to the outgoing manager

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 53-year-old chose to step down from his position as the manager of the England men's senior team following their heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Although a section of the fans were calling for his head in the aftermath of the defeat, the reaction has been much sobre after Southgate officially handed in his papers.

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  WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  An England fan, @willbrazier, wrote: "The greatest England manager in my lifetime, he’s given me the best days as a fan watching our national team, from picking us up from the Iceland catastrophe to making final appearances a regular occurrence. Thank you, Gareth Southgate."

  Whereas, @GeorgeElek, wrote: "Supporting England before Southgate was miserable, but under him, it's been a joy. Gutted that he wasn't the man to end the years of hurt with a trophy, but he did in many other ways. When the success comes it will be because of his work, not as a result of his departure."

  Meanwhile, @MarcusSpeller opined: "Under Southgate, it’s been the best time being an England fan. He’s given us so many great memories. Some will always point to the lack of a trophy win but that paints a misleading picture. He restored pride and joy back to the England men's team and I’ll be forever grateful 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿"

  Daily Mail journalist @OllieHolt22 wrote: "Gareth Southgate steps down as England manager. He transformed the nation’s fortunes in his 8 years in charge. He made us contenders again even without the same quality of players as we had in 98 and 04. A man with class as well as a superb manager. A tough act to follow."

  Holt's thoughts were echoed by @henrywinter: "Gareth Southgate restored pride in England. For players and supporters. He leaves with his head held high. #ENG".

  Meanwhile, @mrjakehumphrey wrote: "Gareth Southgate changed the mentality of English football. He leaves us believing again. I’ve seen people saying that losing two finals will leave a mark. Let’s reframe that…Making two finals will leave a mark. Thank you, Gareth. ❤️"

  @FootyAccums stated: "Whatever your opinion of Southgate, you can't deny that he's given England their best times for decades. Yes he didn't win anything and yes it's 100% the right time for change, but it's still the end of an era that finally brought hope back to the country."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The FA have already started their hunt for Southgate's successor and revealed that they already "have an interim solution in place if it is needed". Several high-profile names are being linked to the post like Graham Potter, Jurgen Klopp, Eddie Howe, Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Southgate happens to be the only manager, barring 1966 World Cup winner Sir Alf Ramsey, to guide the Three Lions into a major tournament final, which highlights the profound impact he had during his eight-year spell.