Jude Bellingham has hailed Gareth Southgate as an 'unbelievable human being' as he led tributes to the England manager, who announced today he would be stepping down from his role.
Midfielder Bellingham was one of England's key players throughout their Euro 2024 tournament in Germany, scoring twice in the Three Lions' run to the final, where they lost against Spain.
In a heart-filled post on social media, the 21-year-old said it had been 'a privilege' to have been managed by Southgate, who was 'so dedicated and passionate'.
Southgate announced on Tuesday that he was resigning from his role after eight years in the prestigious job, following England being denied once more of being able to lift the trophy on Sunday night.
The FA have confirmed the process is underway to appoint Southgate's successor as England manager, with an 'interim solution' in place in case a boss is not appointed for the September internationals.
Midfielder Jude Bellingham (right) led tributes to Gareth Southate (left) as an 'unbelievable human being' following his resignation as England manager today
The midfielder was a key part of the team that reached the Euro 2024 final under the now-former Three Lions manager
Southgate announced his resignation as England boss less than 48 hours after the Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain
Bellingham described Southgate as 'dedicated and passionate' in his message on Instagram
In his own emotional statement shared by England, Southgate wrote: 'It's time for change, and for a new chapter.'
He went on to thank the likes of Steve Holland, his players and England fans for their support.
Before the tournament began, Southgate had said that it was unlikely he would continue to be in charge if England failed to win the competition.
In his tribute, Bellingham wrote: 'I'd like to thank Gareth and his staff for the great memories during his tenure.
'From the point of view of a fan who has become a member of the squad, it's been a rollercoaster of amazing emotions that has instilled hope and joy back into our country.
'It was a privilege being lead by someone who is so dedicated and passionate, not only is Gareth easily one of the best coaches in the history of the national team but also an unbelievable human being.
'Thank you for everything and all the best in the next chapter, Gaffer.'
Though Bellingham at times received criticism for his performance, he was ever-present at Southgate's side following an impressive debut season with Real Madrid in Spain.
Though he struggled in the tournament, Bellingham scored twice and took to social media with a reflective post on England's Euros 2024 defeat
It was a season of winning for Bellingham, who lifted LaLiga and the Champions League but he fell short with his country in the final match of what was a long season.
There were also reports that Bellingham 'lost it' with Southgate at one crucial moment in Sunday's Euro 2024 final defeat.
In the post, which also outlined his feelings following the dramatic end to Euros 2024, Bellingham said he was 'still trying to process the final but the overriding feelings are sadness and disappointment.'
He added: 'The fact is that we came up against a great opponent and fell short, it hurts that we were so close to history and yet couldn't deliver for the England fans that backed us throughout the highs and lows of the tournament whether that was from back home or out in Germany in the stadiums.
'For that we can only hold our hands up and apologise.'
He went on to thank the England fans for their support.
Throughout Tuesday, tributes poured in from around the football world as news broke of Southgate's imminent departure.
Jordan Pickford, who started all seven of England's games at Euro 2024 and has made all 68 of his caps under Southgate wished his now-former coach all the best for the future.
'Completely gutted,' Pickford wrote on social media. 'This will hurt for a while. Appreciate everyone who supported us during the tournament and I'd like to thank all my teammates and staff for their work throughout.
'I also want to say a special thank you to the boss for always believing in me during his time with us and I would like to wish him all the best in his next steps. Thank you Gareth.'
He also shared a photo of himself alongside Southgate on his Instagram story, accompanied by: 'Thank you Gareth.'
Jordan Pickford (right) has led the England players' tributes to Gareth Southgate following his resignation as England manager
Pickford took to social media to with the now-former Three Lions boss all the best in the future
Harry Maguire, who missed Euro 2024 through injury, also gave thanks on social media
Maguire has been an ever-present under Southgate until his injury early in this year
Declan Rice wrote on Instagram that it was 'a privilege' to play for England' under Southgate
Maguire, who missed Euro 2024 through injury, meanwhile, wrote: 'You made us all believe again - memories that will last forever. Thankyou boss.'
Declan Rice added: 'Thank you Gaffer. It's been a privilege to play for England under your guidance. Memories that will stay with me forever. All the best in your next adventure.'
In total, Southgate took charge of 102 games as England manager, picking up an average of 2.08 points per game, per Sofascore.
His side scored an average of 2.25 goals per game, conceded 0.84 per game and the 53-year-old won 63 per cent of his matches in charge since taking over in 2016.
He took England to two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final during his time in charge.
Southgate confirmed his resignation on Tuesday, stepping down after eight years in charge
Bellingham also reflected on the tournament as a whole in his emotional message
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