After an eventful tenure spanning eight years, four tournaments, and two finals, Gareth Southgate bid farewell to his role as England manager on Tuesday, signaling a new era for English football.

The decision followed England’s heart-wrenching 2-1 loss to Spain in the European Championship final, marking Southgate's final match in charge of the national team. Reflecting on his departure, Southgate expressed deep gratitude and pride in serving England both as a player and manager.

"As a proud Englishman, it has been the honor of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all," Southgate remarked. "But it’s time for change and a new chapter."

Southgate's decision to step down coincided with the conclusion of his contract, amid months of speculation about his future role. His legacy is underscored by England’s transformation, culminating in consecutive European Championship finals and a memorable run to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.

Despite Southgate's efforts to revitalize the team's spirit and performance on the global stage, England's decades-long wait for a major trophy since the 1966 World Cup victory remained unfulfilled.

Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the English Football Association (FA), lauded Southgate's significant impact on English football. "Gareth has achieved the near-impossible and laid robust foundations for future success. He is held in the highest regard by players, staff, and everyone at the FA, as well as across the global football community," Bullingham praised.

Southgate’s managerial journey was marked by notable milestones, including guiding England to their first final on foreign soil. Despite initial criticisms during the European Championship, Southgate's leadership propelled England to the final, showcasing his resilience and tactical acumen.

"We reflect on Gareth’s tenure with immense pride — his contributions to English football, from player development to cultural transformation, have been extraordinary. Yet, it is his record in tournament play that stands out," Bullingham emphasized, highlighting Southgate's role in elevating England’s international standing.

Before Southgate’s tenure, England struggled in tournament knockouts, winning only seven games since their historic 1966 World Cup triumph. Under Southgate's guidance, the team secured nine tournament victories, testament to his strategic approach and motivational skills.

Southgate's tenure also saw England consistently ranked in FIFA’s top echelons for a remarkable six-year period, a milestone unmatched in English football history.

With Southgate’s departure, attention now turns to identifying his successor. The FA has confirmed that the process of selecting a new manager is already underway, aiming to build on Southgate’s legacy and propel English football toward continued growth and success.

As Gareth Southgate bids farewell to his managerial role, his departure marks the conclusion of an era defined by resilience, achievement, and a renewed sense of national pride in England's footballing prowess. His legacy will endure as an enduring source of inspiration for future generations of players and managers striving to achieve greatness on the international stage.