Gareth Southgate, who resigned as England manager following the heartbreaking loss in the Euro 2024 final against Spain, is reportedly in line to be knighted in the upcoming New Year Honours list, as per The Sun.
Despite initial scrutiny over his involvement in a controversial film investment scheme, he has been cleared by authorities and is now expected to receive the prestigious honour.
The Sun quoted a source who all but confirmed the news: “Now he’s cleared the checks, people are talking about him becoming ‘Sir Gareth’. Gareth deserves the knighthood and people in high places want to honour him. He was a tremendous servant to England and came close to leading the team to their first silverware since 1966. Gareth has also been a great role model and is a hugely respected public figure.”
If Southgate does receive the knighthood, he will join the ranks of Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson as only the third England coach in history to be bestowed with such a title.
The 54-year-old has had a successful tenure as Three Lions manager, leading the team to consecutive European Championship finals and a semi-final appearance in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, despite falling short of ending the team’s trophy drought.
