Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo has sent a heartfelt message to Gareth Southgate after the former England manager stepped down as head coach of the Three Lions.
Gareth Southgate took charge of the England national team in 2016 and succeeded former Three Lions boss Sam Allardyce on a permanent basis.
The 53-year-old former England boss led the Three Lions to the final of the 2018 World Cup in Russia before reaching the final of Euro 2020.
Despite falling short to Italy in the final of Euro 2020, Southgate remained in charge of England and went on to reach the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Southgate came within touching distance of silverware again this summer after his England side reached the final of Euro 2024 in Germany.
England were widely considered one of the tournament favourites ahead of the competition, but the Three Lions appeared lacklustre in their performances.
Despite reaching two consecutive European Championship finals, Southgate watched on as England fell to a 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday evening.
Mainoo sends Southgate a message
Kobbie Mainoo received his senior England debut during the March international break after a breakout season at Old Trafford.
Gareth Southgate initially snubbed Mainoo for a call-up back in March before walking back on his decision and including him in his England squad.
The Manchester United star’s impressive form for club and country secured him a place in Southgate’s picks for England’s Euro 2024 squad this summer.
Southgate opted for an experimental midfield role for Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold in the early stages of Euro 2024, with Mainoo initially struggling for minutes.
Following an impressive cameo performance against Slovenia in the final Group C match, Mainoo became a linchpin midfield figure for England in the knockout rounds.
Mainoo took to Instagram Stories and sent a poignant message thanking Southgate after the England boss bowed out of his managerial role.
“Thank you for everything,” he wrote.
Southgate reveals his England departure
Mainoo’s United teammate Harry Maguire was among those who paid tribute to Southgate after he left his role as England head coach.
Southgate, who had been linked with United in recent months, was out of contract with England in December and his long-term future had been up in the air.
But the former England boss claimed that it was the right time for him to step down in the aftermath of Euro 2024 and for a “new chapter” to begin for the Three Lions.
“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England,” he said, as per England’s official website.
“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.
“I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks.”