Gary Neville has told Gareth Southgate that he did a great job as England manager after the 53-year-old stepped down on Tuesday.

Southgate brought his 102-match tenure as Three Lions boss to an end following defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024. Delivering an emotional statement, the 53-year-old explained it was time for change in the England hotseat.

The ex-Middlesbrough boss twice reached the final of the Euros leading England and helped his side to the semi-final of the World Cup after taking over the job from Sam Allardyce’s very brief spell. Southgate had been part of the FA’s set-up since 2011.

It was an unprecedent period for the nation as England reached a final on foreign soil for the first time and bounced back from a period which had seen the Three Lions not reach the final four at a tournament for more than two decades. Former Manchester United and England defender Neville unsurprisingly offered Southgate some praise.

“Thank you Gareth you did a great Job,” Neville posted on X. The pundit accompanied his words with a St George’s Cross.

Speculation over Southgate’s future was rife in the aftermath of Sunday’s final. The departing boss’ contract was set to last until the end of 2024 and he proved non-committal when interviewed following the defeat to Spain.

Neville gave his reaction to the questioning on ITV: “I think that’s a big question and something doesn’t sit right inside me talking about Gareth’s future because of what he’s done in the last six to seven years, but I think he will take a long, hard look in the next week or so and wonder if it is now the right time.”

Neville has also commented on where England must improve to go a step further on the international stage however. “Until we can master the ball, find solutions to work our way out under pressure, I do think we will continue to fall short,” he told Sky Sports.

“At Manchester United, we won the odd game on the counter-attack but over the course of the season, we had to control football matches. It’s hard work being without the ball and England play without the ball in too many big games against too many big opponents.

“There’s no reason with the technical players we’ve got why we can’t keep the ball better.”

Neville’s Sky Sports colleague Jamie Carragher issued a word of warning following the news however, having previously stated Southgate should stay on for the World Cup in two years.

He posted on social media: “It’s been a great ride for all involved over the last eight years. Two finals, semi final & a quarter final in Gareth Southgate’s four tournaments is a very tough act to follow!”

The FA have confirmed that an interim boss will be appointed to the position, if Southgate’s permanent successor is not found in the next six weeks.