'Gareth, I want to thank you - not as the President of the FA, but as an England fan.
Prince William has paid tribute to Gareth Southgate who has stood down as England’s manager after the team’s Euro 2024 defeat.
He posted on X: ‘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.
‘And thank you for being an all-round class act. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved. W.’
Southgate has been at the helm of the England team for eight years and is the first manager to guide England to two major international finals.
He announced in a statement he was stepping down and that it was time for a ‘new chapter’.
He said: ‘As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. 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.’
The announcement from William comes after he brought along his son Prince George to the Euro 2024 final between England and Spain.
While England suffered a 2-1 defeat to Spain, George, 10, could be seen enjoying the game in the stands of the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
George was also spotted sharing a few words with newly elected PM Keir Starmer who also enjoyed the game.
Sir Keir said Southgate ‘shouldered the dreams of the country with dignity and honour’.
William and Kate also sent an uplifting message to the England team just before the final on Sunday.
It read: ‘England, your teamwork, grit and determination were an inspiration to all of us, young and old. Congratulations to Spain. W & C.’
The post was accompanied by a photo taken by Kate of her children Charlotte and Louis in their England shirts.
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