Everton defender Ashley Young sent a message to Gareth Southgate
Everton defender Ashley Young sent a message to Gareth Southgate
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Everton veteran Ashley Young sends thank you message after quit decision made

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Everton defender Ashley Young has posted an emotional message following Gareth Southgate's decision to quit as England manager.

The 53-year-old announced his decision on Tuesday (16 July), resigning after 102 matches and eight years in charge of the Three Lions.

His decision comes after the team failed to beat Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin, with Mikel Oyarzabal's late winner handing England their second consecutive Euros runners-up medal.

Reacting to the news, Young took to Instagram on Tuesday (16 July), writing: "Thanks Gaffer - what a journey it’s been!

"You brought me back into the squad after 4 years and when we talk about togetherness, you brought that to the National Team in abundance. 2018 was the start of bringing our country together again. Thank you."

Everton ace Ashley Young pays tribute to Gareth Southgate

The 39-year-old managed to win 39 caps for England between 2006 and 2018, only playing a couple of years under Southgate before retiring from international football.

He was only in the squad on 13 occasions during Southgate's tenure with the Three Lions but played an important role in England's journey to the World Cup semi-final in 2018.

He even grabbed an assist in the 2-0 quarter-final victory over Sweden, playing as a left-sided midfielder against Tunisia, Panama, Colombia, Sweden and Croatia.

Young eventually became a fan, rather than a member of the international set-up, but still wanted to take time to show his appreciation for the manager, who has occupied the role for the last eight years.

Everton
Everton ace Ashley Young sent a message to departing England manager Gareth Southgate

While the Three Lions were unable to lift any trophies during Southgate's time in charge, his win record certainly speaks for itself, seeing him go down as one of the best England managers in history.

Whoever the FA decides to bring in next will have a very difficult job of living up to the expectations and left behind by Southgate as he embarks on a new journey.

In other Everton news, insiders have spoken out on the Jarrad Branthwaite to Manchester United transfer latest.

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England
Gareth Southgate
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