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 Euro 2024 final before leaving the role after eight years in July, having also guided the Three Lions to the Euro 2020 final and the World Cup semi-finals 2018.
“It has been the greatest honor to represent my country both as a player and manager for 20 years and to be part of the game I love for almost 40 years,” said Southgate, who also reached the semi-finals of Euro 1996. 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 must admit that 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 knighted
The 54-year-old is the fourth English manager to be knighted after Sir Walter Winterbottom, Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson.
“He brought our fans closer to the team than ever before, stood up for what he believed in and inspired players to share his pride in representing England,” Football Association president Debbie Hewitt said.
“It’s been a privilege to know the man and the manager. All of us who experienced his thoughtfulness, dedication and leadership are delighted with this wonderful news.
Southgate’s England record
The FA gave Southgate the role permanently following a four-game unbeaten run as caretaker manager from September 2016.
England had a win rate of almost 60% during his reign, winning 61 and losing 17 of his 102 matches while scoring 213 goals and conceding 72.
Rise up, Sir Gareth! 🙌
Congratulations to our former captain and manager, who received a knighthood in the New Year honors 👏 pic.twitter.com/FYUVisRdqJ
– Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) December 31, 2024
In their first appearance in the last four of 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 took the lead in their first appearance in a final since 1996, but lost on penalties to Italy at Wembley in the Euro 2020 final.
Southgate was heavily criticized for England’s performances at Euro 2024 in Germany, where they won one of their opening five games in 90 minutes and only avoided elimination against Slovakia thanks to an equalizer from Jude Bellingham in the 95th minute.
They came from behind to beat the Netherlands in the semi-final thanks to a 90th-minute winner from Ollie Watkins before losing the final 2-1 to Spain.
Southgate, who has 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 match in March.
