January 2 – Former England manager Gareth Southgate has been given a knighthood in the UK’s annual New Year Honours list.
Southgate led England to two consecutive European Championship finals and the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, making him the most successful incumbent since Alf Ramsey although he was unable to end the country’s wait for a first major trophy since 1966.
Southgate is only the fourth England boss to become a knight after Walter Winterbottom, Ramsey and Bobby Robson. He earned plaudits for standing alongside his players on issues such as racism and reconnected fans with the team after Roy Hodgson’s side suffered a humiliating Euro 2016 exit against Iceland.
Southgate, who has hinted he might not return to management, admitted he would not get special treatment at home despite his new status as a ‘Sir’.
“It has been the greatest honour to represent my country as both a player and a manager for some 20 years and to be part of the game I love for almost 40,” said Southgate. “I am incredibly thankful for the amazing people and teams who have supported me both on and off the field. A special thank you to my family for their constant love and encouragement, though I must admit they’ve made it clear that the titles I hold at home will remain unchanged!”
Southgate’s eight-year reign as England boss came to a painful end when he stepped down after 2-1 defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final in July. England also lost on penalties to Italy in the Covid-delayed Euro 2020 final at Wembley.
Despite those failures with a supremely talented squad, Southgate was hailed as one of England’s “greatest ever managers” by the Football Association.
“Throughout his career in the game as a player, coach and change-maker, he has embodied the best of English football,” FA chair Debbie Hewitt said.
“One of our greatest ever managers, Sir Gareth’s remarkable coaching achievements across four major tournaments include two successive Euro finals, equalling our best-ever men’s World Cup performance away from home and being ranked in the world’s top five for more than five years.”
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