Prince William praises 'all-round class act' Gareth Southgate after his resignation as England manager

Prince William has thanked Gareth Southgate for showing “humility, compassion, and true leadership under the most intense pressure and scrutiny” during his time as England manager.

The coach announced on Tuesday he was quitting the role after eight years in charge of the national team.

In a statement on social media, the Prince of Wales described departing England manager Gareth Southgate as an "all-round class act" as he thanked him for his service to the Three Lions.

He said: "Gareth, I want to thank you - not as the President of the @FA, but as an @England fan. Thank you for creating a team that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world's finest in 2024.

"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."

Southgate’s decision comes two days after his team suffered European Championship heartbreak once again with a second straight defeat in the final.

Spain were 2-1 winners in the Euro 2024 showpiece in Berlin, three years on from Italy's Euro 2020 triumph on penalties at Wembley.

William was pictured offering words of support to Southgate in the Olympiastadion in the minutes after the defeat on Sunday evening.

King Charles and Prince William both urged the England team to ‘hold your heads high’ after the loss.

Southgate released an emotional statement on his decision to step down after 102 games in charge, and leading England to two Euros finals, and a semi-final and quarter-final in the World Cup.

He backed his players to go on and "win the trophy we all dream of" in the future.

Stars including One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson and YouTuber Josh Zerker paid tribute.

Tomlinson wrote on X: "Thank you Gareth Southgate for the incredible memories you've given us all over the last 8 years!"

Zerker, from YouTube group Sidemen, shared selfies from England matches and wrote: "Thank you for the memories Southgate!"

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford also praised Southgate.

The Everton number one wrote on Instagram: "I also 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."