Former England defender Gary Neville believes Gareth Southgate made his decision to step down as manager of the national team before Sunday's Euro 2024 final.
A 2-1 defeat to Spain at the Olympiastadion was Southgate's final game in charge, with the 53-year-old confirming his exit on Tuesday. He leaves having reached two finals, one semi-final and one quarter-final in his four major tournaments.
As the Football Association begins a search for the next England boss and players pay tribute, Neville has chimed in on his former international team-mate. After keeping an eye on Southgate's team throughout the tournament thanks to his broadcasting work, he has suggested the decision was made midway through the tournament in Germany.
“I am not surprised. I thought Gareth would call it a day," Neville told Sky Sports News. “I think there were hints through the tournament when he was speaking that he thought it might be the time.
“I am not sure it is based on Sunday’s result, it was (probably) just a feeling after that game. He has had an amazing eight years and exceeded all expectations of every single England fan. He deserves to call it a day on his own terms, and he has done that.
“He knows England better than anybody. It was the right moment for him, he has done an outstanding job. He has achieved incredible things on the pitch, but he has also achieved incredible things off the pitch."
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Neville pointed to the size of the challenge faced by Southgate after replacing Sam Allardyce in 2016. The former England Under-21 boss initially took over on a temporary basis, before impressing enough to be appointed permanently and proceeding to deliver a number of impressive tournament performances.
“How difficult it is to manage the politics of England, the media, the club-versus-country rivalries which existed – he has removed a lot of those barriers," Neville added. "He has handled penalties better than anybody, reduced the fear, so he has done an incredible job, but it will have taken a toll on him.”
England reached back-to-back European Championships finals under Southgate, with Sunday's final the only game his tournament lost in the competition inside 90 minutes. In a statement confirming his exit, the departing manager opened up on his eight years in charge.
"As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England," Southgate said. "It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.
"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.
"I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks.
""I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.
"I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways.
"The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of. I am so proud of them, and I hope we get behind the players and the team at St. George’s Park and the FA who strive every day to improve English football, and understand the power football has to drive positive change."
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