Former England manager Gareth Southgate has joked about his family’s reaction and said he is “incredible thankful” after being awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours List.
Southgate led England to the final of Euro 2024 before leaving his post after eight years in July, having also guided the Three Lions to the final of Euro 2020 and the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.
“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, who also reached the semi-finals of Euro ’96 as an England defender and played at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
“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.”
Congratulations, Sir Gareth Southgate ❤️pic.twitter.com/NESgEiRxCm
— England (@England) December 30, 2024
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Gareth Southgate knighted
The 54-year-old is the fourth England manager to be knighted after Sir Walter Winterbottom, Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson.
“He brought our fans closer than ever to the team, stood up for what he believed in and inspired players to share his pride in representing England,” Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt said.
“It has been a privilege to know the man and the manager. All of us who have experienced his thoughtfulness, dedication and leadership are delighted with this wonderful news.”
Southgate England record
The FA gave Southgate the role on a permanent basis following a four-game unbeaten run as interim manager from September 2016.
England had a win ratio of almost 60% during his reign, winning 61 and losing 17 of their 102 matches while scoring 213 goals and conceding 72.
Arise, Sir Gareth! 🙌
Congratulating our former captain and manager, who has been awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours list 👏 pic.twitter.com/FYUVisRdqJ
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) December 31, 2024
On their first appearance in the final four at a major tournament since 1996, England took the lead before losing 2-1 to Croatia after extra time at the 2018 World Cup.
Three years later, they also went ahead in their first appearance in a final since 1996 but lost on penalties to Italy at Wembley in the Euro 2020 decider.
Southgate was heavily criticised over England’s performances at Euro 2024 in Germany, where they won one of their first five games over 90 minutes and only avoided elimination at the hands of Slovakia thanks to a 95th-minute Jude Bellingham equaliser.
They came from behind to beat the Netherlands in the semi-finals with a 90th-minute Ollie Watkins winner before losing the final 2-1 to Spain.
Southgate, who is yet to take another role, resigned two days after that defeat. Thomas Tuchel was announced as his successsor in October and will take charge of his first game in March.
