FA BOSS Mark Bullingham has paid tribute to Gareth Southgate’s achievements after the England manager announced he was stepping down.

Southgate led England to  successive European Championship finals, as well as to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in his first tournament at the helm.

His 102nd and final game in charge was Sunday's defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, with the former Middlesbrough and Aston Villa defender announcing his departure less than 48 hours later.

Bullingham indicated the process to find Southgate’s successor “is now under way” and said the FA had an “interim solution in place if needed”, with the team’s next matches coming in the Nations League in September.

Southgate himself backed his players to go on and “win the trophy we all dream of” in the future.

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Bullingham’s statement highlighted just how far England had come on the pitch under Southgate.

“In the 25 tournaments post 1966 before Gareth took charge, we had won seven knockout games. In his four tournaments we have won nine,” said the FA chief executive.

“So, in his eight years, he has won more games that really matter than in the previous 50 years.

“And of course, we have had strong tournament performances throughout their tenure. We came so close to winning the Euros in London and securing the first trophy for our men’s team for over 50 years – and came so close again in Berlin on Sunday.

“Before Gareth, our longest time ranked in the top five in the world was seven months. In his tenure we have been ranked there for six years.”

Bullingham also highlighted Southgate’s wider impact on the team, beyond the on-field achievements.

“We look back at Gareth’s tenure with huge pride – his contribution to the English game, including a significant role in player development, and in culture transformation has been unique,” he said.

“Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success. He is held in the highest regard by the players, the backroom team, by everyone at the FA and across the world of football.

“We are very proud of everything Gareth and (his assistant) Steve (Holland) achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them.”