It has just been announced that Gareth Southgate has resigned as England manager. What a rollercoaster it has been under his reign. Two finals, a semi final and a quarter final. A couple of dodgy penalties away from a win against Italy in the 2021 Euro's. A team that was favourites to win in Germany and which certainly had the players to bring the trophy home. The achievements on the field were way beyond most people's expectations when he took over after the debacle of Sam Allardyce's short reign.
For me though, the biggest success of Southgate's reign is to make me feel proud to be an England supporter. Whatever you think of his football record, the way he conducts his business is exemplary. He clearly had the respect and support of the team. He brought the best out of some of the players, supported players on the receiving end of racism, in a way no other National manager seems capable of. He managed to rebuild the confidence of the players such as Saka, to the extent that they took penalties in a shoot out, following all of the obnoxious racism they received when they missed against Italy in the last final. He has transformed Harry Kane into Englands most successful striker by some distance. He has had faith in younger players. He has built for the future. If you look at Englands ranking now, compared to when he took over, that tells you all you need to know.
As an England fan, I hope that the next manager builds on the foundations Gareth has laid and takes us to the next level. As for the candidates? Jurgen Klopp and Graham Potter have been mentioned. I'd be delighted with either. But that is for another day. For today, all I want to say is Thank you Gareth, you've been a credit to England and you have made us all proud. Good luck in wherever life takes you now.
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I had planned to retire this song, but here's one more blast for old time's sake!
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