Former England manager Gareth Southgate has joked about his family’s reaction and said he is “incredibly grateful” after being knighted in the New Year’s honors list.
Southgate led England to the Euro 2024 final before stepping down after eight years in July, having also led the Three Lions to the Euro 2020 final and the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.
“It has been the greatest honor to represent my country as a player and as a manager for almost 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 a defender for England and played in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
“I am incredibly grateful for the amazing people and teams that have supported me both on and off the field. A special thanks to my family for their continued love and encouragement, although I must admit they have 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
Gareth Southgate has been knighted
The 54-year-old is the fourth England manager to win a knighthood 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 the players to share his pride in representing England,” said Football Association president Debbie Hewitt.
“It was a privilege to know the man and the manager. All of us who have experienced his thoughtfulness, dedication and leadership are thrilled with this wonderful news.”
England Southgate record
The FA handed Southgate the role on a permanent basis after a four-game unbeaten run as caretaker manager since 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.
Stand up, Mr. Gareth! 🙌
Congratulations to our former captain and manager who has been knighted in the New Year’s honors list 👏 pic.twitter.com/FYUVisRdqJ
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) December 31, 2024
In their first final four appearance 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 advanced to their first finals appearance since 1996, but lost on penalties to Italy at Wembley in the Euro 2020 decider.
Southgate was heavily criticized for England’s performances at Euro 2024 in Germany, where they won one of their first five games in 90 minutes and only avoided elimination by Slovakia thanks to Jude Bellingham’s 95th-minute equaliser.
They came from behind to beat the Netherlands in the semi-finals with Ollie Watkins’ 90th-minute winner before losing the final 2-1 to Spain.
Southgate, who is yet to take on another role, resigned two days after that defeat. Thomas Tuchel was announced as his successor in October and will take charge of his first game in March.
2024-12-31 12:44:00
