'Thank you Gareth Southgate' - England fans pay tribute to outgoing boss for 'restoring pride & joy' in national team on back of rollercoaster Euro 2024 campaign

The 53-year-old chose to step down from his position as the manager of the England men's senior team following their heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Although a section of the fans were calling for his head in the aftermath of the defeat, the reaction has been much sobre after Southgate officially handed in his papers.

An England fan, @willbrazier, wrote: "The greatest England manager in my lifetime, he’s given me the best days as a fan watching our national team, from picking us up from the Iceland catastrophe to making final appearances a regular occurrence. Thank you, Gareth Southgate."

Whereas, @GeorgeElek, wrote: "Supporting England before Southgate was miserable, but under him, it's been a joy. Gutted that he wasn't the man to end the years of hurt with a trophy, but he did in many other ways. When the success comes it will be because of his work, not as a result of his departure."

Meanwhile, @MarcusSpeller opined: "Under Southgate, it’s been the best time being an England fan. He’s given us so many great memories. Some will always point to the lack of a trophy win but that paints a misleading picture. He restored pride and joy back to the England men's team and I’ll be forever grateful 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿"

Daily Mail journalist @OllieHolt22 wrote: "Gareth Southgate steps down as England manager. He transformed the nation’s fortunes in his 8 years in charge. He made us contenders again even without the same quality of players as we had in 98 and 04. A man with class as well as a superb manager. A tough act to follow."

Holt's thoughts were echoed by @henrywinter: "Gareth Southgate restored pride in England. For players and supporters. He leaves with his head held high. #ENG".

Meanwhile, @mrjakehumphrey wrote: "Gareth Southgate changed the mentality of English football. He leaves us believing again. I’ve seen people saying that losing two finals will leave a mark. Let’s reframe that…Making two finals will leave a mark. Thank you, Gareth. ❤️"

@FootyAccums stated: "Whatever your opinion of Southgate, you can't deny that he's given England their best times for decades. Yes he didn't win anything and yes it's 100% the right time for change, but it's still the end of an era that finally brought hope back to the country."

The FA have already started their hunt for Southgate's successor and revealed that they already "have an interim solution in place if it is needed". Several high-profile names are being linked to the post like Graham Potter, Jurgen Klopp, Eddie Howe, Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel.

Southgate happens to be the only manager, barring 1966 World Cup winner Sir Alf Ramsey, to guide the Three Lions into a major tournament final, which highlights the profound impact he had during his eight-year spell.

England will return to action in September in a Nations League encounter against the Republic of Ireland, but it remains to be seen whether Southgate's permanent successor will be in place by then.