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Celebrities were quick to take to social media and share their thoughts on Gareth Southgate's resignation as England manager following the Three Lions' heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin last week.
Southgate announced his decision to step down in a statement released by the Football Association on Tuesday morning (16 July) and former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and current Newcastle manager Eddie Howe are rumoured to be under consideration to become his successor.
“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England,” Southgate said.
“It has meant everything to me and I have given it my all. But it is time for a change and a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my last game as England manager.”
Former England captain David Beckham shared his admiration for Southgate on his Instagram Story following the news, writing: “Thanks boss. Not only was he one of our most successful managers, he did it with flair too.
“Congratulations to you and your staff, Gareth.”
Football pundit Gary Lineker, who criticised Southgate's tactics during the tournament, also wished the former England boss well following his resignation on X/Twitter.
“I wish Gareth Southgate all the best for the future,” he wrote.
“He brought pride, respect and unity to England like we haven’t seen for a long time. He came close, very close to footballing immortality and always did his job with humility, decency and dignity. Thank you, Gareth.”
Meanwhile, broadcaster Piers Morgan, who had previously declared Southgate “should resign”, bluntly told his followers “UPDATE: Gareth has left”, before joking that he should be appointed as the next England manager before the 2026 World Cup.
Newly appointed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also thanked Southgate for the news of his departure. “Gareth's time as England manager will be remembered for restoring the hope and faith that the country had longed for,” he wrote on X/Twitter.
“I join everyone today in thanking Gareth Southgate and his team for all they have achieved and for laying the foundations for future success.”
Prince William, who had already gone viral for his theatrical reaction when England won their Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland on penalties and attended the heart-breaking final in Berlin on Sunday, also thanked Southgate as an “England fan.”
“Thank you for building a team that is on par with the best in the world in 2024,” he said. “Thank you for showing humility, compassion and true leadership under the most intense pressure and scrutiny.
“Thank you for being such a classy person in every way. You should be incredibly proud of what you have accomplished.”
