England fans will regret the departure of coach Southgate

Veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton, a member of England's coaching staff at Euro 2024, believes Gareth Southgate's resignation is a loss for the Three Lions.

"I really think the fans will regret it. Looking back at England's performance, I think Southgate has changed people's attitudes towards the team," Heaton told the Guardian ( UK). "Everyone was looking forward to our matches. The team played well. The expectations for the team have changed. I think people will look back and realise that Southgate has done a great job."

Southgate in England's technical area during the Euro 2024 final. Photo: firo sportphoto

Over the past eight years, Southgate has led England to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup and to the finals of Euro 2020 and 2024. However, the way the "Three Lions" played at Euro 2024 has left many fans dissatisfied, and they have continuously criticized Southgate. They believe that with the stars in the squad, England should have played more convincingly.

After England drew 0-0 with Slovenia in the final round of the group stage, many fans threw objects at Southgate.

England, however, did have a positive result, going unbeaten until the final - where they lost 1-2 to Spain. A few days after this match, Southgate announced his resignation .

Heaton said the England squad wanted Southgate to stay. "It's obvious. It's very rare that you see a squad, including players who don't play or play regularly, that want to win for the manager. He's a leader you want to support. You want to win for him, for what he's done for the team," the 38-year-old commented.

Heaton is a reserve goalkeeper at Man Utd. Before Euro 2024, he was unexpectedly called up by Southgate , but as a goalkeeping coach for the team. In early July, Heaton was given a one-year contract extension by Man Utd and will continue to be the third choice goalkeeper at the club.

Heaton insists he still wants to play and has spoken to a number of clubs about the possibility but feels it is not right. Therefore, he has decided to stay at Old Trafford and hopes to have the opportunity to play next season.