π¨ JUST IN: Harry Kane Finally Breaks Silence and Sends a STUNNING Message to Gareth Southgate After Stepping Down as England Head Coach.
Harry Kane sent Gareth Southgate a heartwarming message after the 53-year-old stepped down as England head coach. In an emotional statement, the Bayern Munich striker, who helped the Three Lions reach the Euro 2024 final this summer, described his former boss as one of the ‘greatest ever’.
Southgate handed Kane 81 caps for England, where he scored 61 goals and provided 17 assists. Not only did the former Tottenham Hotspur captain become a staple in the Three Lions starting lineup, but he was also given the responsibility of leading his country.
In all but three starts and a handful of second-half appearances off the bench, Kane donned the armband for England under the former Crystal Palace defender’s stewardship. Leading from the front, the 30-year-old fired Southgate’s side to a World Cup semi-final in 2018, a World Cup quarter-final in 2022 and a pair of European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024.
Following the FA’s announcement, Kane took to Instagram to thank his former manager. He wrote: “Boss. Thank you for everything you have done for me and our country! You have been one of Englandβs greatest ever managers and it has been a pleasure to have served as your captain throughout.
“You helped our nation connect and believe in our team again. There have been so many highlights and weβve made memories together that will last forever! Good luck with your next chapter and Iβm sure weβll see each other around. Thanks Boss!”
Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Jordan Pickford also paid their respects to Southgate on social media. The Real Madrid midfielder said: βIβd like to thank Gareth and his staff for the great memories during his tenure.
“From the point of view of a fan who has become a member of the squad, itβs been a roller coaster of amazing emotions that has instilled hope and joy back into our country.
βIt was a privilege to be led 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 unbelievable human being. Thank you for everything and all the best in the next chapter, gaffer.”
Rice, who posted on his Instagram story, added: “Thank you gaffer. Itβs been a privilege to play for England under your guidance. Memories that will stay with me forever. All the best in your next adventure.”
Meanwhile, Pickford wrote: “Completely gutted. This will hurt for a while. Appreciate everyone who supported us during the tournament and Iβd like to thank all my team-mates and staff for their work throughout.
“I also want to say a special thank you to the boss for always believing in me during his time with us and I would like to wish him all the best in his next steps. Thank you Gareth.”
Kane, and his England teammates, have certainly shown their true colours following the Euro 2024 final. Having come so close to clinching silverware in recent times, the Three Lions will surely be determined to build from the sturdy foundations that Southgate established at St George’s Park.