Gareth Southgate has stepped down as England manager

He announced his decision to quit in a statement issued by the Football Association on Tuesday morning, following the team's defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday night, reports the Press Association.

"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," he said in a statement.

"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 took charge in 2016, following the team's ignominious exit to Iceland in that summer's Euros and the short-lived reign of Sam Allardyce.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham paid tribute to Southgate's achievements in leading England to successive European Championship finals, as well as to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in his first tournament at the helm.

Bullingham indicated the process to find Southgate's successor "is now under way" and said the FA had an "interim solution in place if needed", with the team's next matches coming in the Nations League in September.

Southgate himself backed his players to go on and "win the trophy we all dream of" in the future.

"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," he said.

Gareth Southgate has stepped down after England's defeat in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday (Image: PA)

"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."

Bullingham's statement highlighted just how far England had come on the pitch under Southgate.

"In the 25 tournaments post 1966 before Gareth took charge, we had won seven knockout games. In his four tournaments we have won nine," Bullingham said.

"So, in his eight years, he has won more games that really matter than in the previous 50 years.

"And of course, we have had strong tournament performances throughout their tenure. We came so close to winning the Euros in London and securing the first trophy for our men's team for over 50 years - and came so close again in Berlin on Sunday.

"Before Gareth, our longest time ranked in the top five in the world was seven months. In his tenure we have been ranked there for six years."

Bullingham also highlighted Southgate's wider impact on the team, beyond the on-field achievements.

"We look back at Gareth's tenure with huge pride - his contribution to the English game, including a significant role in player development, and in culture transformation has been unique," he said.

"Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success. He is held in the highest regard by the players, the backroom team, by everyone at the FA and across the world of football.

"We are very proud of everything Gareth and (his assistant) Steve (Holland) achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them."

Current England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley, who led his group to Euros success last summer, would appear an obvious contender to take on the job on an interim basis, if not in the longer term.

Southgate initially succeeded Allardyce on an interim basis in 2016.

England take on the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on September 7 before facing Finland at home on September 10.

The PA news agency here takes a look at some of the contenders who could be on the FA's shortlist.

Eddie Howe

The Newcastle boss, one of only three English managers in the Premier League next season, would be a popular choice. The media-savvy 46-year-old delivered Champions League football at St James' Park for the first time in 20 years and twice guided Bournemouth to top-flight promotion with an attacking brand of football that England fans have been demanding.

Lee Carsley

Former Derby and Everton midfielder Carsley has enjoyed significant success as England Under-21s boss, guiding his side to European Championship glory last summer. Birmingham-born, he won 40 senior caps for Republic of Ireland and, at 50, has a wealth of coaching experience with Coventry, Sheffield United, Brentford, Manchester City, Birmingham and England U20s.

Graham Potter

Potter, 49, had been on a steep upward trajectory before being sacked by Chelsea after less than seven months in April 2023. Currently out of work, he previously performed miracles in Sweden with Ostersund and steered Brighton to their highest Premier League finish, with Pep Guardiola describing the Seagulls' progressive football as "a joy to watch, a joy to analyse".

Mauricio Pochettino

A leading contender. A Premier League and Champions League runner-up with Tottenham and a Ligue 1 winner with Paris St Germain. Pochettino has an impressive CV, especially in England after winning admirers as Southampton boss. The 52-year-old also has a proven track record of developing young talent, with Cole Palmer at Chelsea a case in point before the Argentinian departed Stamford Bridge in June.

Pep Guardiola

The fact Guardiola features high on the bookmakers' list needs no justification. But does his fire still burn bright enough to consider the job? The 53-year-old Spaniard is arguably modern football's most influential manager and would be the best bet to get the maximum out of England's talent. But would he want to risk his reputation as one of the all-time greats?

Jurgen Klopp

The former Liverpool boss falls into the same bracket as Guardiola. If Klopp, 57, was interested in the role, his application would surely be hard to turn down. He does not want to manage another Premier League club but whether he would be interested in becoming England's first German manager is another matter.