Gary Neville has revealed the exact moment during Euro 2024 that he knew Gareth Southgate would resign as England manager.
Southgate stated on Tuesday that he would be leaving his position as manager of the England men’s national team after eight years.
Less than 48 hours before the announcement, Southgate oversaw England’s second European Championship final defeat in a straight, a 2-1 loss to Spain in Berlin.
England had a similar fate at Euro 2020, losing to Italy on penalties and failing to end their long and painful wait for a major prize in men’s football.
Under Southgate, England also went deep in two World Cups, reaching the semi-finals in 2018 and the quarter-finals in 2022.
Neville says England supporters should be “grateful” for Southgate‘s work, even though there was no silverware to be won. However, he maintains that it was the “right time to go.”
The former Manchester United and England defender stated in The Overlap newsletter on behalf of Sky Bet, “It is the right time to go.”
I assumed his time was over when I heard him describe the tournament as a “unusual environment.”
You have witnessed him and the players engage with the weeds for the first time, challenging detractors and conveying the idea that they were bothered by negative coverage in the media.
I’ve participated in twelve major events as a player, coach, and analyst. I’ve lived in England long enough to be able to smell trouble.
During press briefings, I overheard statements that I knew would have stoked tensions. I believe that he may have been addressing matters behind the scenes, which may have influenced his thoughts.
‘He had built the whole ethos on everyone being the same, but it didn’t feel like that this time. More like he was having to whack a mole to keep some people in line.
‘He’s managed big characters in the past, but this squad has egos that will require a lot of energy from the manager in order to harness their best form. It won’t only be about managing players but an entourage.
‘But that’s for the next manager. Right now, we can only be grateful for what Southgate has done. And the legacy he has left.’
Rating Southgate’s time in charge, Neville added: ‘Southgate did so much more than steady the ship. He has turned it around and taken it into deeper waters.
‘There are some who continue to say he is the reason why we haven’t won a tournament. To that, I would say we would have never been in these finals without Southgate.’
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and ex-Chelsea manager Graham Potter are believed to be the frontrunners to replace Southgate, who took over England in 2016.
Southgate, 53, reached 100 games in charge of England during the recent Euros.
‘As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England,’ Southgate said as he resigned from the job.
‘It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all. But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter.’