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England stars lead tributes for Gareth Southgate in emotional video

England's stars have paid tribute to Gareth Southgate in a heartfelt video following his decision to quit his role as senior team manager.

At the start of the month, Southgate confirmed that he would be stepping down from the position in the wake of their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain. 

After eight years in charge, Southgate formed a close connection with the first-team squad and, as a result, some of them shared an emotional thank you message to the coach.

In a video posted onto England's account on X, the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Kyle Walker all shared voice notes dedicated to the manager.

England captain Kane said: 'Hi boss. I just wanted to say thank you for everything you've done for me. We had some amazing tournaments and some special memories that will last forever'. 

Englands stars, including Harry Kane (right), have paid tribute to manager Gareth Southgate 

Southgate stepped down as England manager after losing the Euro 2024 final this month

Meanwhile, Real Madrid star Bellingham said: 'For me, Gareth is one of the best England managers that we've ever had. 

'Not only for the results on the pitch but because of how much he wants to look after you as a person.' 

Man City's Walker said: 'Hi boss, Kyle Walker here. You've done what any other manager has not been able to do and bring a team together that represents one nation that we're all proud of'.

Walker's league rival, Declan Rice, then said: 'Gareth, it's Dec. I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything. From giving me my debut to making me your captain in my 50th game'.

Some players drew upon individual moments that they recall under Southgate's tenure, with Aston Villa's Tyrone Mings opting to go down that route. 

Mings said: ''Hi gaffer, I just wanted to say thank you very much for everything that you've done. Not only for me but also for many, many people up and down the country. 

Jude Bellingham hailed Southgate as one of England's greatest ever managers in his message

Defender Tyrone Mings reflected on Southgate's role in 2019, when he alerted officials to racist chants being heard during England's Euro 2020 qualifier against Bulgaria

'On what turned out to be a difficult night in Bulgaria, there's not a man on this planet that I would rather have had leading us into that. For that I will be forever grateful'. 

Back in 2019, Mings revealed he heard racist abuse in the warm-up ahead of his England debut as a 6-0 thrashing of Bulgaria was overshadowed by abhorrent behaviour from the home fans.

There were two breaks in play during the Euro 2020 qualifier in Sofia after abuse was reported to the match officials.

Speaking at the time, Southgate said: 'We have managed to make two statements by winning the game and also raising the situation to everybody.'

Players and manager Southgate gather around the match referees to alert them about the horrific abuse the black players were being subjected to, in the match five years ago

He told 5 Live: 'My entire focus had to be on protecting my players and staff and I think we have done that. They have been an absolute credit. I am very proud.' 

Southgate was permanently named England manager in November 2016 and guided the Three Lions through four major tournaments, twice leading his side to the European Championship final in 2020 and 2024.

Confirming his resignation, Southgate said: 'As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.

'But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager'.

Source: dailymail.co.uk

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