Jude Bellingham sends message to Gareth Southgate after England manager resigns

Jude Bellingham sent a message to Gareth Southgate in an emotional social media post after Euro 2024.

The midfielder was one of England’s key players throughout their tournament in Germany, scoring twice in the Three Lions’ run to the final, where they lost to Spain.

Although he occasionally received criticism for his performances, he was still a fixture in Southgate’s squad after an impressive debut season with Real Madrid in Spain.

It was a winning season for Bellingham, who lifted La Liga and the Champions League but fell short with his country in the final game of what has been a long season.

Today, the 21-year-old took to social media to release a statement, addressing Southgate’s departure as England manager at the end of the post after reflecting on the tournament as a whole.

“Finally, I would like to thank Gareth and his staff for the great memories they have given me during his tenure,” the message concluded. From a fan-turned-team member’s perspective, it has been a rollercoaster of incredible emotions that have brought hope and joy back to our country.

“It has been a privilege to be managed 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 incredible human being.

“Thanks for everything and good luck for the next chapter, Gaffer.”

“It is time for change and a new chapter,” Southgate wrote in his own emotional statement shared by England, while thanking Steve Holland, his players and the England fans for their support.

The resignation follows Southgate’s pre-tournament statements that he was unlikely to be in charge if England failed to win the competition and the revelation that the FA would try to convince him to stay.

Tributes then poured in from across the football world, from pundits and players alike, with Jordan Pickford and Harry Maguire leading the way in thanking England players.

Bellingham, meanwhile, took the opportunity to reflect on the tournament as a whole and apologised to fans for England’s failure to win a first major trophy since 1966.

However, it has been reported that Bellingham “lost it” with Southgate at a crucial moment in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final defeat.

“I am still trying to digest the final, but the feelings that dominate are sadness and disappointment,” the message begins. “The fact is that we faced a great opponent and we failed. It hurts to have come so close to history and not to have been able to live up to the expectations of the English fans who supported us throughout the ups and downs of the tournament, both at home and in the stadiums in Germany.”

“For that we can only hold up our hands and apologise. Being in such a tight bubble for so long means that sometimes it’s easier to get caught up in the negative aspects of a major tournament, but some of the atmospheres and celebrations I witnessed were a constant reminder of the love you have for this team, those images will stay with me forever and I couldn’t be more grateful for that.

“I’m sure the consequences will be intense, but understand that this group of players and every member of the staff have given absolutely everything to try to make our dreams come true.

“While it’s frustrating to continue to write in this manner after tournaments, I truly believe that this team, building on these harrowing experiences, has the potential to finally get over the line and bring a trophy back to England at some point. Until then, stick with us and continue to support the lads as you have for so long.