ENGLAND captain Harry Kane has posted an emotional message of thanks to Gareth Southgate.
Southgate stepped down as Three Lions boss today after eight years in charge of the nation.
Following a second consecutive European Championship final heartbreak, Southgate called time on his stint in the hot-seat for England.
And his captain Kane, who made 81 appearances under the 53-year-old, has taken to social media to thank the gaffer for his time.
The emotional post read: “Boss. Thank you for everything you have done for me and our country!
“You have been one of England’s greatest ever managers and it has been a pleasure to have served as your captain throughout.
“You helped our nation connect and believe in our team again.
“There have been so many highlights and we’ve made memories together that will last forever!
“Good luck with your next chapter and I’m sure we’ll see each other around. Thanks Boss!”
Kane captained England at all four of the nation’s major tournaments under Southgate and broke the country’s all-time goal scoring record under his management.
Here is a look at Gareth Southgate's record as England manager.
Overall record
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As a pair they reached two major finals, one semi-final and a quarter-final – cementing themselves as one of the best captain and manager duos in England history.
But Southgate himself has claimed it’s “time for change” after leaving his post, despite being England’s most successful manager since Sir Alf Ramsey in 1966.
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.
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.
My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.
We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I’m an England fan and I always will be.
I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can.
Thank you, England – for everything.
Kane isn’t the only player to post a touching message to Southgate upon his bombshell announcement with stars such as Harry Maguire, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham taking to social media to do the same.
While Prince William, who is President of the FA, also posted a message of thanks to the outgoing gaffer.
It read: “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 took charge of England in 2016 following Sam Allardyce‘s one game in charge.
He had worked as the England under-21 boss from 2013 to 2016 before he landed the role.
Rumours are already swirling about potential replacements for Southgate as the FA look to fill the huge gap he will leave in the organisation ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is one name linked with the role, while Mauricio Pochettino and Graham Potter have also been touted.
And SunSport understands that England U21 boss Lee Carsley is in pole position to take over from Southgate on an interim basis.
By Dave Kidd
There is a natural preference to appoint an English successor.
And in an ideal world, the England manager should always be English. But this is not an ideal scenario.
So the FA must be ambitious in sounding out the best man for the job, regardless of nationality.
Because England need a manager who would gain instant respect with players, who would be tactically bold enough to take on Spain and a strong enough character to deal with Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid Galactico status, which threatens to cause future issues within the England squad. Yes, when the FA have gone foreign in the past, it hasn’t worked out well.
Yet the problem with Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello was that neither had any previous involvement in English football.
They lacked knowledge and understanding of the football culture — indeed, Capello barely spoke the language.
Now there is a wealth of overseas managerial talent with significant Premier League experience, including Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino, Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel.
Read more from Dave Kidd on who England should turn to.
