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This is how English football reacted to Southgate's departure
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Labour's Keir Starmer, stated that Gareth Southgate, who resigned two days after losing the Euro final to Spain, will be remembered for "bringing hope and faith back to the country."
"He has carried the nation's dreams on his shoulders with dignity and honor," added Starmer in a statement on the social network X, thanking the former manager for his years leading the "Three Lions" and describing him as a "mentor for the brilliant young talent" of the England team.
After the news broke, numerous England players and other notable figures in English football reacted on social media to Southgate's departure, thanking him for his work with the team over 102 matches and nearly eight years.
Real Madrid player Jude Bellingham, who debuted with the "Three Lions" under Southgate, described him in an Instagram post as "one of the best coaches in national team history" and an "incredible human being."
England's first-choice goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, also expressed on Instagram that he was "completely devastated" by Southgate's departure, dedicating some words of gratitude: "Thank you for always believing in me all this time."
Similarly, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, who has played with England in the last three major tournaments, wrote on social media: "Thank you, boss. It’s been a privilege to play for England under your leadership. The memories will last forever. All the best in your next adventure."
Former footballer Gary Lineker, considered one of England's best players and currently a star presenter for the BBC, also wrote on X that Southgate always worked with "humility, decency, and dignity" and was very close to achieving "footballing immortality."
"You have brought a pride, respect, and unity that we hadn’t seen in the England team for a long time. Thank you, Gareth," he concluded.