England players have sent emotional video messages to Gareth Southgate after he stepped down as England manager
earlier this month. Southgate confirmed he would step down as manager following the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain after
eight years in the role. Southgate has built a strong relationship with the first-team squad and some of his players have taken to social media to thank the boss. The
video, posted on England’s X account, was shared by players Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Kyle Walker. England captain Kane
said: “Hello gaffer, just wanted to say thank you for everything you have done for me. We’ve had some fantastic tournaments and some special memories which will last a lifetime.” Real Madrid star
Bellingham said: “For me, Gareth is one of the best England managers we’ve ever had.
“Not just because of the results on the pitch But because he wanted to look after us as people as well.”
Walker, from Manchester City, said: “Hello gaffer, I’m Kyle Walker. You’ve done what no other manager can – bring a team together and represent a country that we all are so proud of.”
Declan Rice, another regular fixture with Southgate’s side, said: “Gareth, it’s me, Dec. I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything, from bringing me on for my first game to captaining me for my 50th game.”
While some of the players also recalled personal moments during Southgate’s tenure. Such as Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings. Who chose to recount the heartwarming story of how the England boss had been touched by the England boss.
Mings said: “Hello gaffer, just wanted to say a huge thank you for everything you have done, not just for me but for so many people across the country. “
On a difficult night in Bulgaria, there was no man on the planet I would rather lead my team. I will be forever grateful to him.”
Back in 2019, Mings revealed he was racially abused during the warm-up before his first England appearance in a 6-0 thrashing of Bulgaria, which was overshadowed by the home fans’ antics. The player was also
suspended twice for a Euro 2020 qualifier in Sofia after racial abuse was reported to the referee during the match.