William thanks Southgate for being ‘all-round class act’ as England boss quits

Southgate announced his decision to step down as England manager in a statement on Tuesday morning, just two days after the Euro 2024 final.

The Prince of Wales has personally thanked Gareth Southgate as an “England fan” for being an “all-round class act” and showing “humility, compassion, and true leadership” after the Three Lions’ manager stepped down in the wake of the Euro 2024 defeat.

William, president of the Football Association (FA), praised Southgate for coping with the “most intense pressure and scrutiny”.

He had created, the prince said, a “team that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest”.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute, saying Southgate had “shouldered the dreams of the country with dignity and honour”.

Sir Keir said Southgate “will be remembered for bringing back the hope and belief the country had been crying out for for so long” and praised the way the manager had spoken out on social issues.

He spoke of the “joyous” wins over Germany and Denmark at Wembley in 2021, just as crowds were allowed back in after “the dark days of Covid”.

Gareth Southgate gives two thumbs up — Sir Keir Starmer was among those to pay tribute to Gareth Southgate’s achievements (Nick Potts/PA)

“He has been a mentor to our brilliant young talent. And at every step of the way, he has shouldered the dreams of the country with dignity and honour.”

Southgate announced his decision to quit in a statement issued by the FA on Tuesday morning, saying it is time for a “new chapter” for the national team.

William, in a warm, personally signed message posted on social media, said: “Gareth, I want to thank you – not as the President of the @FA, but as an @England fan.

“Thank you for creating a team that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest in 2024. Thank you for showing humility, compassion, and true leadership under the most intense pressure and scrutiny.

The Prince of Wales shakes hands with Gareth Southgate on the pitch after England's Euro defeat — William expressed his admiration for Gareth Southgate, who has stepped down as England manager (Adam Davy/PA)

Southgate’s announcement came two days after the Three Lions lost 2-1 to Spain in the final on Sunday night.

The prince travelled to Berlin with his son Prince George to cheer on the squad.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Prince George and Prince of Wales hold their hands to their head during the match — Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Prince George and the Prince of Wales react during the later stages of the match (Bradley Collyer/PA)

“But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.”

Southgate, who took on the role in 2016, backed his players to go on and “win the trophy we all dream of” in the future.

Gareth Southgate, dressed in a shirt and tie, waving — Gareth Southgate has been in charge of the England side since 2016 (Nick Potts/PA)

Stars including One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson and YouTuber Josh Zerker paid tribute.

Tomlinson wrote on X: “Thank you Gareth Southgate for the incredible memories you’ve given us all over the last 8 years!”

Gareth Southgate consoles Jude Bellingham who sits on the pitch after the Euro final defeat — Southgate commiserates with Jude Bellingham following England’s defeat in the final (Andrew Milligan/PA)

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford also praised Southgate.

The Everton number one wrote on Instagram: “I also want to say a special thank you to the boss for always believing in me during his time with us and I would like to wish him all the best in his next steps. Thank you Gareth.”