William praises Gareth Southgate’s leadership as he resigns after Euro 2024 final loss
Prince William has expressed his gratitude and admiration for Gareth Southgate following his resignation as manager of the England soccer team.
Southgate announced his decision to step down on Tuesday, July 16, after England’s 2-1 loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday, July 14. The 53-year-old former soccer player had been at the helm since 2016.
The Prince of Wales, who also serves as president of the Football Association, took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message. “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,” wrote William, 42, alongside a photograph of him and Southgate laughing together.
In his message, William praised Southgate for his leadership qualities and the values he instilled in the team. “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,” he added, signing off with “W” to emphasize the personal nature of his message.
Southgate, in his own statement shared by the England team on X (formerly known as Twitter), reflected on his time with the team with great pride. “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honor of my life to play for England and to manage England.
It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all,” Southgate said. He has managed 102 games over nearly eight years, leading the team through significant tournaments and fostering a new era for English soccer.
The England team also acknowledged Southgate’s departure, posting, “After 102 games and almost eight years in charge, Gareth Southgate has announced he is to leave his role as manager of the #ThreeLions.”
The news of Southgate’s resignation follows a challenging match for England in Berlin, Germany, where Prince William and his son, Prince George, 10, watched the Euro 2024 final.
Despite the loss, William remained supportive of the team, posting on X, “This time it just wasn’t meant to be. We’re all still so proud of you. Onwards @England. W.”
William’s commitment to supporting the team has been evident throughout his presidency of the FA. His involvement extends beyond formal duties, as shown by the personal touch in his messages and his presence at key matches.
The royal family’s support for England’s soccer teams is a testament to their passion for the sport and their encouragement of national pride.
The Euro 2024 final wasn’t the only major sporting event for the royal family that weekend. Earlier on Sunday, Princess Kate attended the Wimbledon men’s singles final with Princess Charlotte, 9.
They witnessed Carlos Alcaraz’s victory over Novak Djokovic, a match that ended 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (4). This outing was particularly significant as Kate continues her cancer treatment after announcing her diagnosis in March.
Despite her health challenges, Kate, who is the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, made a rare public appearance to support the sport.
The royal family’s public engagements and their messages of support highlight their dedication to British sports. Whether it’s soccer or tennis, their presence and words offer encouragement and a sense of unity to fans and players alike.
As Gareth Southgate steps down, his tenure is remembered not just for the games won and lost, but for the character and spirit he brought to the role.
His legacy is marked by a commitment to excellence and a profound respect for the game. Prince William’s tribute captures the essence of Southgate’s impact, celebrating his contributions and the respect he earned from players, fans, and royals alike.
