Southgate took over the reins from Sam Allardyce, initially on an interim basis, in 2016 and led the Three Lions to back-to-back European Championship finals, as well as the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
However, Southgate faced heavy criticism on the back of a string of underwhelming performances at this summer’s tournament in Germany, with the 53-year-old’s cautious approach coming under the microscope.
The England boss refused to discuss his future in the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s loss to Spain, telling reporters he needed time to speak to the ‘right people’ while he mulled over his options.
But two days on, Southgate confirmed that he had called it quits and the FA must now begin their search for a successor before the team return to Nations League action in September.
Former Brighton and Chelsea manager Graham Potter, who has been out of a job since his dismissal at Stamford Bridge, is currently the bookmakers’ favourite to take over the reins from Southgate.
Newcastle head coach Howe has also been mooted as a potential replacement, despite the fact he is tied into a contract at St James’ Park until 2027.
Gareth Southgate’s statement in full
‘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,’ Southgate said in a statement on the FA website.
‘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.
‘I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.
‘I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways.
‘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.’
Southgate added: ‘My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.
‘We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I’m an England fan and I always will be.
‘I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can.
‘Thank you, England – for everything.’
In 2016, Howe was heavily linked with the position before Southgate was appointed on a permanent basis and the then-Bournemouth manager had an interesting response when pressed on the speculation.
‘The England job is the ultimate, I would never say no,’ Howe said at the time.
Howe was also tipped as a possible contender for the England hot seat after the Three Lions were knocked out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by France at the quarter-final stage.
Though Howe refused to deny that managing England could be an ambition of his for the future, he stressed that it wasn’t on his ‘radar’ at the time given he was committed to Newcastle
‘Gareth has done an incredible job and I mean that from the bottom of my heart,’ Howe told reporters.
‘I have been lucky enough to go in and see him work and I have a lot of time for him and Steve Holland. They have been amazing for England.
‘You have to remember where England were before he took over and what he has done for the country.
‘I never say never, never say no, it won’t be something I am interested in. But in the short term it is not on my radar at all.
‘It is all Newcastle and trying to make this team better. I have always said I love the day to day coaching, love being with the players on the training ground, international football you get that taken away for long periods.
‘At this moment in my life that is not something I want to do.’
After Southgate announced his departure, Mark Bullingham confirmed that the FA planned to appoint a successor sooner rather than later.
‘The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now underway and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible,’ Bullingham, the CEO of the FA, said in a statement.
‘Our Nations League campaign starts in September, and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed.
‘We know there will be inevitable speculation, but we won’t be commenting further on our process until we appoint.’
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