Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman has hailed the "incredible" job Gareth Southgate has done as England manager following his sudden resignation.
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Southgate resigns as England bossSearch for his successor underwayWiegman hails 'incredible' SouthgateWHAT HAPPENED?
After nearly eight years in charge, Southgate stepped down as England boss on Tuesday – two days on from their 2-1 loss to Spain in the final of Euro 2024. Now, Dutchwoman Wiegman, who has led the Lionesses since 2021, has paid tribute to the 53-year-old.
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She told ITV: "To be honest, yes, because he's such a nice person and a great coach. We wouldn't see each other all the time, but when we would, it was very nice. What he has done for English football is just really incredible. Of course, they made the final again, they made the final at the last Euros too. I think he can be very, very proud of himself. I think England is very proud of him and me as a Dutchie, I'm very proud of him too."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Southgate greatly improved the fortunes of the England men's team, leading them to a World Cup semi-final and two Euros finals in 2021 and 2024 respectively. While he was unable to guide them to international glory, as Wiegman did in 2022 at the Euros for the women's team, he will go down as one of the Three Lions' most successful managers.
GettyWHAT NEXT?
The English Football Association's search for a Southgate successor is well underway, with ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter and Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe among the candidates to step into the Three Lions dugout.