After eight years, Gareth Southgate has announced his resignation as England’s manager. 

Before Southgate was appointed in 2016, the Three Lions had only advanced to three major tournament semifinals and one final in their history—the 1966 World Cup.

After leading the side to the Euro 2024 final, the Football Association had hoped he would extend his contract, but Southgate has decided to look for a new challenge.

When it comes to consistently performing well in important tournaments, the 53-year-old is England’s most successful manager. 

England advanced to the 2021 European Championship final, where they were defeated by Italy, and to the 2018 World Cup semifinal, where they were defeated by Croatia. The team was also eliminated by France in the quarterfinals of his previous World Cup.

“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. But it’s time for change for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager”, Gareth Southgate said in his official statement.

The FA’s shortlist for Southgate’s replacement includes Eddie Howe of Newcastle and three former Chelsea managers: Graham Potter, Thomas Tuchel, and Mauricio Pochettino.