England stars thank Gareth Southgate

England players have paid tribute to outgoing manager Gareth Southgate, who stood down as manager after 102 games in charge this week.

Southgate guided the Three Lions to two European Championship finals, as well as a World Cup quarter-final and semi-final, during his time in charge.

Harry Kane was named as skipper in 2018 and England's all-time record goalscorer was full of praise for Southgate.

Boss. Thank you for everything you have done for me and our country! You have been one of England’s greatest ever managers and it has been a pleasure to have served as your captain throughout. You helped our nation connect and believe in our team again.

There have been so many… pic.twitter.com/lLS1REIYGZ

— Harry Kane (@HKane) July 16, 2024

Kane wrote: "Boss. Thank you for everything you have done for me and our country! You have been one of England’s greatest ever managers and it has been a pleasure to have served as your captain throughout. You helped our nation connect and believe in our team again.

"There have been so many highlights and we’ve made memories together that will last forever! Good luck with your next chapter and I’m sure we’ll see each other around. Thanks Boss!"

Jordan Pickford won all of his 68 England caps under Southgate's watch and posted his own thank you message.

He said: "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."

Bukayo Saka was also handed his England debut by Southgate and was equally appreciative of the departing boss.

Saka wrote: "Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me and the team Gareth. I’ll always be grateful for the memories we’ve made, how you supported me through everything and for all your work to make progress as a nation."

Jude Bellingham praised Southgate as an 'unbelievable human being'.

He posted on Instagram: "I’d like to thank Gareth and his staff for the great memories during his tenure. From the point of view of a fan who has become a member of the squad, it’s been a rollercoaster of amazing emotions that has instilled hope and joy back into our country.

"It was a privilege being lead by someone who is so dedicated and passionate, not only is Gareth easily one of the best coaches in the history of the national team but also an unbelievable human being. Thank you for everything and all the best in the next chapter, Gaffer."

Kieran Trippier also wished the departing Southgate the best of luck.

The full-back said: "Want to say thank you to Gareth for everything. A top coach who I know will be successful wherever his next role may be."