Former England manager Gareth Southgate joked about his family's reaction and said he was “extremely grateful” after receiving a knighthood in the New Year Honors List.
Southgate led England to the Euro 2024 final before leaving his position after eight years in July, having also led the Three Lions to the Euro 2020 final and the 2018 World Cup semi-final.
Southgate, who also reached the semi-finals of Euro 96, said: “It has been my greatest honor to represent my country as a player and coach for nearly 20 years and to be part of the game I love for almost 40 years.” As an England national team defender, he played in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
“I am extremely grateful to the amazing people and teams who have supported me on and off the pitch. Special thanks to my family for their constant 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 coach to receive a knighthood, after Sir Walter Winterbottom, Sir Alf Ramsay and Sir Bobby Robson.
Debbie Hewitt, Chairman of the FA, said: “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.”
“It has been an honor to know the man and manager. All of us who have experienced his thinking, dedication and leadership are delighted with this fantastic news.
Southgate's England record
The FA awarded Southgate the position on a permanent basis after four matches unbeaten as interim coach since September 2016.
England achieved a winning rate of approximately 60% during his reign, winning 61 and losing 17 out of 102 matches, scoring 213 goals and conceding 72.
Rise, Sir Gareth! 🙌
We congratulate our former leader and manager, who has been awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honors List 👏 pic.twitter.com/FYUVisRdqJ
– Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) December 31, 2024
In their first quarter-final 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 appearance in the final since 1996, but lost on penalties to Italy at Wembley in the Euro 2020 final.
Southgate was heavily criticized for England's performance at Euro 2024 in Germany, where they won one of their first five matches over 90 minutes and avoided elimination at the hands of Slovakia only thanks to Jude Bellingham's 95th-minute equaliser.
They came from behind to beat the Netherlands in the semi-final with an Ollie Watkins goal in the 90th minute before losing the final 2-1 to Spain.
Southgate, who has not yet held another position, resigned two days after that defeat. Thomas Tuchel was announced as his successor in October and will take charge for his first match in March.
