Former England manager Gareth Southgate joked about his family’s reaction and said he was “incredibly grateful” after being knighted in the New Year’s Honors List.
Southgate led England to the finals of Euro 2024 before leaving his post after eight years in July, having also guided the Three Lions to the finals of Euro 2020 and the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.
“It has been the greatest honor to represent my country both as a player and as 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 grateful to the amazing people and teams who have supported me on and off the field. Special thanks to my family for their constant love and encouragement, although I have to admit that they made it clear to me that the titles I carry at home will remain unchanged.”
Congratulations, Sir Gareth Southgate ❤️pic.twitter.com/NESgEiRxCm
— England (@England) December 30, 2024
Gareth Southgate was 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 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 delighted with this wonderful news.”
Southgate’s record in England
Southgate was handed the role on a permanent basis by the FA following a four-match 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 102 matches while scoring 213 goals and conceding 72.
Arise, Sir Gareth! 🙌
Congratulations to our former captain and manager, who received the title of knight on the New Year’s list of honor 👏 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 went through in 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 performance at Euro 2024 in Germany, where they won one of their first five 90-minute games and only avoided elimination at the hands of Slovakia thanks to Jude Bellingham’s 95th-minute equaliser.
They came from behind to beat the Netherlands in the semi-finals with Ollie Watkins scoring in the 90th minute before losing to Spain 2-1 in the final.
Southgate, who is yet to take on a second 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.
