Gareth Southgate resigns: FA chief Bullingham ‘forever grateful’

Football Association main executive Mark Bullingham has paid tribute to nan departing Gareth Southgate, saying he “made nan intolerable occupation possible”.

Southgate resigned arsenic England head this greeting aft 8 years successful nan domiciled and Bullingham, who besides revealed nan hunt for a successor had already commenced, feels nan 53-year-old deserves tremendous in installments for his clip successful charge.

In a statement, he said: “On behalf of English football, I would for illustration to salary tribute to Gareth Southgate and to Steve Holland for everything they person achieved.

“Over nan past 8 years they person transformed nan England men’s team, delivering unforgettable memories for everyone who loves nan Three Lions. We look backmost astatine Gareth’s tenure pinch immense pridefulness – his publication to nan English game, including a important domiciled successful subordinate development, and successful civilization translator has been unique. However, it is his grounds of winning tourney games which is astir extraordinary.

“In nan 25 tournaments station 1966 earlier Gareth took charge, we had won 7 knockout games. In his 4 tournaments we person won nine. So, successful his 8 years, he has won much games that really matter than successful nan erstwhile 50 years.

“And of course, we person had beardown tourney performances passim their tenure. We came truthful adjacent to winning nan Euros successful London and securing nan first trophy for our men’s squad for complete 50 years – and came truthful adjacent again successful Berlin connected Sunday.”

“Thank you, England – for everything.” ❤️💙

A connection from Gareth Southgate. 🧵⬇️ pic.twitter.com/STzYnj2FlF

— England (@England) July 16, 2024

Close but not rather for Southgate’s Lions

Southgate led England to 2 European Championship finals – successful which they mislaid to Italy successful 2021 and Spain connected Sunday nighttime astatine Euro 2024 – arsenic good arsenic a World Cup semi-final successful 2018 and nan quarters 4 years later successful Qatar.

Bullingham added: “Before Gareth, our longest clip classed successful nan apical 5 successful nan world was 7 months. In his tenure we person been classed location for six years.

“Gareth has made nan intolerable occupation imaginable and laid beardown foundations for early success. He is held successful nan highest respect by nan players, nan backroom team, by everyone astatine The FA and crossed nan world of football.

“We are very proud of everything Gareth and Steve achieved for England, and will beryllium everlastingly grateful to them.”

What happens now?

The FA now person nan task of uncovering a suitable replacement pinch Graham Potter and Eddie Howe nan bookmakers’ favourites.

Under-21s leader Lee Carsley is besides highly regarded astatine St George’s Park and he could return nan domiciled connected a short-term ground if nan process drags on.

“The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now nether measurement and we purpose to person our caller head confirmed arsenic soon arsenic possible,” Bullingham said. 

“Our UEFA Nations League run starts successful September, and we person an interim solution successful spot if it is needed.

“We cognize location will beryllium inevitable speculation, but we won’t beryllium commenting further connected our process until we appoint.”