Fans praise Gareth Southgate as 'the best since Sir Alf'

After 102 games in charge, spanning eight years, Gareth Southgate has revealed he is to leave his role as manager of England.

Southgate who was under contract with the Three Lions until December has decided to step down from his role immediately after suffering back-to-back Euro final losses.

Arguably one of England's best managers, Southgate led England to the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, the UEFA Euro 2020 final, the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, and the UEFA Euro 2024 final.

Many fans were expecting the Englishman to step down after he looked dejected following his side's 2-1 defeat against Spain.

With many agreeing that it was the eight moment for Southgate to call time on his role with the England squad.

Taking to the social media platform 'X' one fan wrote 'The best since Sir Alf, regardless of what anyone says. Now was probably the time to go, but what an amazing 8 years with him in charge'.

With a second adding 'Sad to see that Gareth Southgate has resigned.

'Very plum job but he had a tough time from the public and media.. It seems as if they are unaware of the massive team of specialists that he has worked with - physios, dieticians, etc.

'Winning is not all down to him.'

Whilst a third commented 'Seemed inevitable and the right decision. His managerial tournament record against contemporaries is highly laudable. Thank you Sir Gareth Southgate' followed by an England flag emoji.'

Fans were quick to applaud the work Southgate did over his eight years in charge, with many fans agreeing in unison that he brought the love of international football back to England.

One fans tweet read 'Thanks Gareth, you took over at a time when England were a laughing stock and gave us our pride back

'You will go down as one of the most successful managers in English history

'But I think it's time for someone else to have a go and try to find that final gear in this great team'.

Whilst a second replied 'Transformed the culture and gave us so many wonderful moments. Thanks for everything ❤️ '

'Thank you for the memories and for raising England football from the doldrums, Gareth' a third added.

Followed by a fourth who chimed in about how he transformed the attitude amongst players within the squad .

'One thing Gareth Southgate has done a great job with is for a fact is that he removed the toxicity among the players coming in from rival clubs and made players wanna play for the badge.

As another commented 'Thank you for everything, Gareth. I think it’s time for a change, but incredibly grateful for changing the culture, and making fans believe England have a chance, again.'

Not to be forgotten of the team he inherited another X user wrote 'Thanks Gareth, you took over at a time when England were a laughing stock and gave us our pride back

'You will go down as one of the most successful managers in English history But I think it's time for someone else to have a go and try to find that final gear in this great team'.