New Delhi: Former England manager Gareth Southgate has been awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honour’s List. The entire list comprises of more than 1,200 people with personalities from politics, sports, arts and service community. Southgate was at the helm of the English football team for eight years.
The 54-year-old stepped down from the position in July following England’s defeat in the Euros 2024 final to Spain in Germany. The loss was the second consecutive Euros final loss under Southgate. During his eight-year stint with the team, Southgate had led the team to the 2018 World Cup semi-final losing to Croatia. They ended the tournament as the fourth-placed team which was their best performance in the FIFA World Cup since 1990. The Three Lions in the 2022 World Cup campaign bowed out from the quarter-finals.
Sir Gareth Southgate 🏴
Our former manager and player has been awarded a Knighthood in the King’s New Year Honours List for 2025 for his services to association football 👏 pic.twitter.com/TsYcKYOusb
— England (@England) December 30, 2024
Southgate joins an elite list becoming the fourth England manager to be knighted after Sir Walter Winterbottom, Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson. FA chair Debbie Hewitt congratulated Southgate, noting that he had “inspired” his players and backed his decision. Further, Hewitt noted that Southgate had managed to bring fans “closer” to the team, commended Southgate for taking the team to the top five for five years, and spoke volumes about the work and dedication put in by the former manager.
Gareth Southgate’s achievements with Three Lions
In his tenure, Southgate oversaw 102 games with 61 wins, 24 draws and 17 losses. For England, he also made 57 appearances and scored twice. He was also in charge of the English U-21 team for 37 games before his appointment as the manager of the senior team following Samuel Allardyce’s resignation.
Apart from Southgate, former Wales and British and Irish Lions winger Gerald Davies is also set to receive a knighthood for his services to the sport of Rugby. Paris Olympics 2024 800 metres gold medalist Keely Hodgkinson received an MBE. Olympic champion rover Helen Glover and nine-time Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft are both receivers of the OBE.
The New Year honours list has been awarded since 1890 and is aimed at recognising people with distinguished contributions to the country often with lesser recognition. The awarded honours range from Member, Commander or Officer of the Order of the British Empire to knighthoods and damehoods.
Gareth Southgate receives knighthood for his distinguished contribution to English football leading the Three Lions in two consecutive Euros finals. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
