“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honor of my life to play for England and to manage England,” Southgate said, per a statement released by the English Football Association (FA).
“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 charge of the national team in 2016, was on contract through December, and although ESPN reported that the FA wanted him to stay through the 2026 World Cup, he chose to leave the Three Lions prematurely.
The former English footballer played 57 games for the national team.
In eight years as manager, he led the squad to back-to-back Euro Championship finals and a World Cup quarterfinal and semifinal.
England manager Gareth Southgate applauding supporters after Euro 2024 final match against Spain in Berlin. AP
Among pundits, fans and former USMNT players, there is a growing interest in seeing Southgate replace Berhalter at the helm after former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp passed on the chance to discuss the opening.
Tim Howard, former USMNT star goalkeeper and current NBC Sports analyst for the English Premier League, wrote a column for the Daily Mail pushing for them to pursue Southgate or former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino.
England lost in the Euro final to Spain. REUTERS
Howard wrote: “The clock is ticking towards the 2026 World Cup and the USMNT is in turmoil. After Jurgen Klopp said no, here’s who US Soccer must target next. They have to get this right.”
According to Paul Tenorio, senior reporter for The Athletic Soccer, Southgate shouldn’t be ruled out as a potential replacement, considering his relationship with U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker.
USMNT Thoughts also posted on X, writing, “Gareth Southgate leaves England and now firmly gets on the list of rumored USMNT candidates. Matt Crocker knows him very well. However it would be like firing Berhalter just to hire the manager Berhalter wants to be.”
Ex USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter gesturing during 2022 World Cup round of 16 match against the Netherlands. AP
Following their failure to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and a heartbreaking Round of 16 loss to the Netherlands in 2022, the U.S. seeks a manager who can lead them effectively as hosts of the 2026 World Cup.
Per ESPN , European contenders David Wagner and Steve Cherundolo are top considerations for the USMNT role.
On the home front, Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin and Wilfried Nancy, who clinched the MLS Cup in his debut season with Columbus Crew are also strong candidates.
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