CLASSY FAREWEL TO A REIGN THAT GAVE THE NATION A RENEWED BELIEF

Gareth bows out with head held high and a legacy that instils hope for future

- JOHN CROSS

ALBEIT briefly, there was a theory that Gareth Southgate might stay on after all.

Let's not forget this was the manager who had led England to their first ever major final on foreign soil and the FA were desperate for him to remain in charge.

And then came the fallout.

The disappointment, anger and bile following England's defeat in the Euros final.

There was no way back.

Southgate had insisted he was going to talk things through with his family on Monday night as he was in no mood to make a snap decision.

By 11am on Tuesday, farewell statements were issued.

Never mind that Southgate, in his eight years in charge, had got to the last eight or beyond of more tournaments than Sir Bobby Robson, Terry Venables and Glenn Hoddle (all three inset, right) combined.

Or that he had won nine knockout games when England had won a total of seven in their previous years.

England expects.

And that is why they call it the impossible job.