Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger has opened up on a big "regret" he has in the wake of Gareth Southgate resigning as England manager.
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Southgate resigned as England bossWenger saw him before he stepped downFrenchman admits to a "regret"WHAT HAPPENED?
A day after England lost 2-1 to Spain in the final of Euro 2024, Southgate stepped down as Three Lions manager. Several weeks on from his resignation, Frenchman Wenger claims he wishes he had urged Southgate to take longer to consider his future.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT ARSENE WENGER SAID
He said at the Olympic Gala of Champions this week: "I saw [Southgate] just after the final and I forgot to tell him: 'Don't make a quick decision', because when you lose such a big final, you always think in the next 48 hours you will resign. So that's the only regret I have. But after that you have to sign a competent guy who can continue to do the job he did."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Southgate proved to be England's most successful manager since Sir Alf Ramsey led the nation to World Cup glory in 1966. Two Euros finals and a World Cup semi-final are not to be sniffed at but Southgate just couldn't quite get the Three Lions over the line. It is clear he is admired by many greats in the game for his efforts, though, including Wenger.
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The search for Southgate's successor is ongoing, with the Football Association yet to appoint a new person in the dugout. For the 53-year-old, it remains to see what he will do next after nearly eight years as England boss.