Prince William thanks 'class act' Gareth Southgate
Prince William has praised Gareth Southgate as a "class act" following the England manager's departure in the wake of the Euro 2024 final defeat.
Prince William has praised Gareth Southgate as a "class act".
The Prince of Wales has shared a touching tribute to the 53-year-old coach after he resigned as England manager following a devastating Euro 2024 final loss to Spain over the weekend, with the 42-year-old royal stressing he was speaking as a "fan", not in his formal role as President of the Football Association (FA).
Sharing a photo of himself and Gareth on the social media accounts he shares with wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, William wrote: "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."
The former Middlesbrough boss confirmed his England exit on Tuesday (16.07.24) morning.
He said in a statement: "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."
Gareth first took on the role on a permanent basis in November 2016, and as well as his Euros record of reaching the final in 2024 and 2021, he also led the team to the World Cup semi-final stage in 2018, and the quarter finals four years later.
FA CEO Mark Bullingham praised the manager for making "the impossible job possible", while paying tribute for everything he and his assistant Steve Holland have achievement.
He said: "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.
"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 Steve achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them."
