Jude Bellingham praised Gareth Southgate as “easily one of the best coaches in the history of the national team” in a heartfelt tribute to the outgoing England manager.
Southgate resigned on Tuesday after nearly eight years in the role, with England’s 2-1 loss to Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final his last match in charge.
In a post on Instagram, Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham described Southgate as “an unbelievable human being”.
“I’d like to thank Gareth and his staff for the great memories during his tenure,” Bellingham wrote.
“From the point of view of a fan who has become a member of the squad, it’s been a rollercoaster of amazing emotions that has instilled hope and joy back into our country.
“It was a privilege being lead 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.”
BBC Sport pundit and former England striker Alan Shearer was also among those to pay tribute to Southgate, who took charge of 102 games and led his country to back-to-back Euros finals.
“It was a huge job for him [Southgate] to take on,” Shearer told the BBC.
“He did that and turned everything around, we went from rock bottom to playing in semi-finals and finals. That is now the expectation with England and he played a huge part in that.”
He added that the 53-year-old will be remembered for “creating this incredible spirit and for players again wanting to represent their country”.