Many figures from the world of entertainment have reacted to the news of Gareth Southgate stepping down as England manager.
Southgate resigned as manager of the Three Lions after eight years in the job, following England’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final last Sunday.
Taking the job in 2016, Southgate guided England to back to back European Championship finals in 2020 and 2024, as well as a World Cup semi final in 2018, and quarter final in 2022.
Having lost to Spain in last weekend’s decider, England lost to Italy in the Euro 2020 final on penalties at Wembley Stadium.
Gareth Southgate confirmed his departure as manager in a statement, calling his time in the managerial hot seat as an “honour”.
“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.
“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”.
“Thank you Gareth Southgate”
Following this, several household names have reacted to the news of Southgate’s departure.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid a lengthy tribute in a statement.
“I join everyone today in saying thank you to both Gareth Southgate and his team for all they have achieved and laying the foundations for future success”, he said.
Former One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson also reacted to the news.
“Thank you Gareth Southgate for the incredible memories you’ve given us all over the last 8 years!”, he said.
Musician Richard Coles said that he feels it was the right time for the former manager to step down.
“Sometimes tough decisions make themselves. I think he’s been an inspirational figure and lasting credit will be rightly his, but the men’s team needs something different now. Best wishes and grateful thanks to #GarethSouthgate”, he wrote.
Former England footballer and pundit Gary Lineker also paid tribute to Southgate, praising him for doing the job with “humility, decency and dignity”. Check that out here.
Other former players and pundits who paid tribute to Southgate also include Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville, as well as former British boxer Frank Bruno.
