Star Metro - Gareth Southgate resignation: Principal reactions

AFP Sport picks out the principal reactions to the departure of the 53-year-old:

Players

"I 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."

-- Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who Southgate remained faithful to despite him playing for struggling Everton. He started him in all seven Euro 2024 matches.

"It has been a privilege to play for England under your guidance. Memories that will stay with me forever. All the best in your next adventures."

-- Midfielder Declan Rice, who switched allegiance from Ireland to England and subsequently become a pillar of Southgate's side.

"You made us all believe again -- memories that will last forever. Thank you boss."

-- Harry Maguire, a mainstay of Southgate's side that reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and Euro 2020 final, but after a poor season for Manchester United was omitted from Euro 2024 squad.

Dignitaries and others

"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. W."

-- Heir to the British throne Prince William, president of the Football Association

"Gareth's time as England manager will be remembered for bringing back the hope and belief the country had been crying out for for so long. During turbulent times, he has been a thoughtful spokesperson on events far beyond football.

"He has been a mentor to our brilliant young talent. Every step of the way, he has shouldered the dreams of the country with dignity and honour."

-- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer

"Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success."

-- FA CEO Mark Bullingham.

"He brought pride, respect and a togetherness to England that we hadn't seen for a long time. He was close, very close to footballing immortality and he always did the job with humility, decency and dignity. Thank you, Gareth."

-- Gary Lineker, a pivotal member of the side that lost to then-West Germany on penalties in the 1990 World Cup semi-finals.

"Gareth has done messages for people for many years when I've asked him. He's just a nice guy. He's not your typical footballer, he's not got an edge. He's just a solid guy and wants to nurture the young players."

-- Southgate's former Crystal Palace teammate Geoff Thomas revealing he was spivotal in securing a £2 million ($2.6 million) partnership for charity Cure Leukaemia, an illness Thomas suffered from.

"It was awesome to see how united the country has been, every tournament we've done well. The pubs have been full, the atmosphere has been awesome around the country. I've loved it.

"When I was growing up we weren't really getting that far, so to see us get to a couple of finals and a semi is awesome, he's got to deserve a bit of credit for that."

-- England cricketer Zak Crawley

N.Fournier--SMC