Former Manchester United, Aston Villa and current Everton defender Ashley Young has left a heartfelt message to Gareth Southgate.
After eight years as manager of England, Gareth Southgate confirmed his decision to step down as manager of the Three Lions.
During Southgate’s time as manager of England, he reached two finals at major tournaments and reached a semi-final at the 2018 World Cup before losing to Croatia.
However, both the manager and the Football Association have seemingly decided to part ways with Eddie Howe understood to be in the frame to replace the former Middlesbrough manager.
Young leaves heartfelt message to Southgate
The Three Lions had some torrid luck before Southgate was given the role as manager of the club but since then, he has done remarkably well.
However, Southgate could not get England over the line at a major tournament with the most recent failing coming at Euro 2024.
England fell short against Spain as Mikel Oyarzabal tapped in a Marc Cucurella cross with just five minutes to go to end the Three Lions’ hopes of European glory in the final held in Berlin.
One former player of Southgate in Ashley Young left a heartfelt message for the manager following his decision to leave the club.
“Thanks Gaffer, what a journey it’s been,” Young said on his Instagram. “You brought me back into the squad after 4 years and when we talk about togetherness you brought that to the National Team in abundance. 2018 was the start of bringing our country together again. Thank You.”
Southgate kickstarted Young’s career when he recalled him into the international squad, recognising his development at full-back, at a time when he was playing the role for Manchester United.
Young has gone onto win a title with Inter Milan since, and is going strong in the Premier League at the age of 39.
Young echoes what the majority of English players are thinking
Despite some of the criticism that the manager and the players have received from fans and the media, they were a close knit group.
