And so it came to pass, heartbreak in Berlin was Gareth Southgate’s last game as England manager.

It’s become fashionable on social media to berate Southgate, or ‘Safegate’ and he’s been imaginatively nicknamed. But those who have had the privilege and pleasure of following England over the course of his tenure take away some of the greatest memories of their lifetimes.

Yes, it’s a huge pity he never got the trophy his 102 games so richly warranted. And there will always be a sense of ‘what if’ over his two Euro finals.

In truth, this latest punch to the gut was much easier to take than three years ago. England blazed a trail to the Euro 2020 final and will never have a better chance to seal glory than they did against an Italy side who failed to qualify for two World Cups either side of their Wembley success.

But as supporters turned the streets of Berlin into a wall of white, and probably occupied around four fifths of the Olympiastadion, there was still hope that it would be this time.

Unfortunately, England never got going in a display that mirrored their entire tournament. Save for half an hour against the Dutch in the semi-finals, it was a laboured string of performances that saw them limp to the final. But for a last-gasp moment of magic from Jude Bellingham, they’d have been home in disgrace in the last 16.

The inquest inevitably turns in the direction of Southgate, more so given he has now taken the decision to step down. But let’s make one thing abundantly clear: he has done a phenomenal job as England boss and changed the narrative around the Three Lions.

Southgate led England to two major finals – the only Three Lions boss to do so ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
Before his first tournament, they hadn’t made a semi-final for 22 years. They’ve now made three in four tournaments, with two finals thrown in for good measure.

Yes, he’s had talented players at his disposal. So did Sven-Goran Eriksson. But fingers will be pointed at the fact that they have failed to get over the line when it really mattered.

It feels like a natural time to part ways. Four tournaments is more than the vast majority of international managers get, never mind in one of the most pressured jobs in world sport.

But after Southgate’s last hurrah, those that have followed his tenure to all corners of Europe and beyond will reminisce with fond memories of a time which brought back genuine hope, belief and optimism to following England.

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