Gareth Southgate, the manager of the England national football team, has resigned from his position just two days after the team’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the European Championship final. Southgate, who has been in charge of the Three Lions for eight years, announced his decision in a statement released by the Football Association (FA).

“It’s time for change and for a new chapter,” Southgate said. “I’ve thought long and hard about this decision, and I believe it’s the right time for someone else to take the reins and lead this talented group of players forward.”

Southgate’s resignation comes as a surprise to many, as he had previously indicated that he would stay on as manager until the 2024 European Championship. However, the defeat to Spain appears to have changed his mind, and he has decided to step down with immediate effect.

Under Southgate’s leadership, England enjoyed a period of unprecedented success, reaching the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and the finals of the 2021 and 2024 European Championships. He won 102 games as England manager, a record for the national team.

Despite his achievements, Southgate faced criticism for his tactics and team selection during the European Championship. The defeat to Spain, in particular, was seen as a disappointment, and many fans and pundits felt that England had underperformed.

The FA has already begun the search for Southgate’s successor, with a list of potential candidates including Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, and Eddie Howe. Whoever takes over will inherit a talented young squad and will be expected to build on the foundations laid by Southgate.

“Gareth has been an outstanding England manager, and we are grateful for his dedication and commitment to the role,” said FA CEO Mark Bullingham. “We will always be thankful for the memories he has created and the progress he has made. We will now begin the process of finding a new manager to take the team forward.”