But which were the memorable – and less favorable – games during the popular manager’s eight-year reign leading up to that sorrowful Sunday evening in Berlin? Let’s delve into it.

THE HIGHS:

Colombia 1-1 England (3-4 on penalties), 2018 World Cup

This was the moment when long-suffering supporters began to truly believe that football was coming home.

Even after conceding a late equalizer, England maintained their composure to move on to the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup via a penalty shootout.

This victory marked our first shootout win in 22 years.

Spain 2-3 England, 2018 Nations League

Building on their World Cup triumph, England celebrated a historic win in Spain after 31 years with a stunning UEFA Nations League victory.

Southgate’s squad silenced the crowd in Seville with an electrifying performance, leading 3-0 at halftime thanks to two goals from Raheem Sterling and one from Marcus Rashford.

Despite the hosts scoring twice in the second half, the way the Three Lions tore apart La Roja thrilled every supporter.

England 2-1 Denmark, Euro 2020 semi-final

Southgate led England to their first major final in 55 years by overcoming Denmark after extra-time in the Euro 2020 semi-final.

After going behind for the first half hour, the Three Lions rallied to equalize through an own goal.

It was captain Kane who found the winning goal, converting a rebound after Kasper Schmeichel saved his penalty during extra-time.

England 3-0 Senegal, 2022 World Cup last 16

England had already dominated Iran and Wales, winning 6-2 and 3-0 respectively, during the World Cup 2022 group stages before overpowering Senegal.

The high-scoring Three Lions secured yet another significant win, setting up an exciting quarter-final against France – what could possibly go wrong?

Italy 1-2 England, Euro qualifiers, 2023

On an unforgettable night when Harry Kane became England’s all-time top scorer, the Three Lions achieved their first away victory over Italy since 1961.

This match marked their first game after exiting the 2022 World Cup, offering a perfect start to their Euro 2022 qualifying campaign.

England 2-1 Holland, Euro 2024 semi-final

Doubts surrounded Southgate’s squad in the semi-finals of Euro 2024, but they produced a sensational performance.

Xavi Simons put the Dutch in the lead, but Harry Kane equalized with a penalty.

Then Ollie Watkins scored a brilliant winner in stoppage time, propelling the Three Lions into their second consecutive Euros final.

AND THE LOWS….

Croatia 2-1 England, World Cup semi-final, 2018

Having brought England to their first World Cup semi-final since 1990, Southgate’s men began with a dream start when Kieran Trippier scored early.

However, Ivan Perisic equalized, allowing the Croatians to take control.

Some of Southgate’s substitution choices faced scrutiny after the team fell in extra time, though many still regarded him as a hero for restoring the team’s prominence.

Italy 1-1 England (3-2 on penalties) Euro 2020 final

England is unlikely to get a better chance at securing a trophy than in this Euro Championship final.

Luke Shaw scored almost immediately, giving us an early advantage, but, similar to the match against Croatia three years earlier, we sat back and allowed our rivals back into the game.

Leonardo Bonucci equalized in the second half, and the match eventually went to penalties.

The unfortunate Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka were all brought on specifically for the shootout, but sadly, the courageous trio missed, and the Azzurri claimed the trophy, shattering our dreams.

England 0-4 Hungary, Nations League 2023

A year after the Euros, Southgate faced utter embarrassment in this Nations League match at Molineux.

This resulted in our largest home defeat since 1928 and led to England being relegated from the top tier of the Nations League back to a group including the Republic of Ireland, Finland, and Greece.

England 1-2 France, World Cup 2022 quarter-finals

Another example of what might have been.

Having scored freely throughout Qatar 2022, many believed we were destined to advance far in the tournament, despite facing the defending champions in the quarter-finals.

We managed to equalize with a goal from Kane, and many felt France were vulnerable, had Southgate chosen a more attacking approach.

However, the team seemed content with their performance until Olivier Giroud scored twelve minutes from the close to seal the win.

To add insult to injury, the typically reliable Kane missed a late penalty, sending it over the bar and leading to our exit from the tournament.