Gareth Southgate reveals what his family have “made clear” about his New Year honor
Former England manager Gareth Southgate joked about his family’s reaction and said he was “incredibly grateful” after being knighted in the New Year Honors List.
Southgate led England to the Euro 2024 final before leaving his post after eight years in July, having also led the Three Lions to the Euro 2020 final and the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.
“It has been the greatest honor to represent my country as both a player and coach for around 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 ’96 as an England defender and played at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
“I am incredibly grateful for the great people and teams who have supported me on and off the field. A special thank you 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 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 England 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,” said Debbie Hewitt, chairman of the Football Association.
“It was a privilege to know the man and the manager. All of us who experienced his thoughtfulness, commitment and leadership are pleased with this wonderful news.”
Southgate England record
The FA gave Southgate the role permanently after he went undefeated for four games as interim manager from September 2016.
England had a win rate of almost 60% during his tenure, winning 61 and losing 17 of their 102 games, scoring 213 goals and conceding 72.
Get up, Sir Gareth! 🙌
Congratulations to our former captain and manager who was knighted in the New Year Honors List 👏 pic.twitter.com/FYUVisRdqJ
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) December 31, 2024
England took the lead in their first Final Four appearance at a major tournament since 1996 before losing 2-1 to Croatia in overtime 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 in the Euro 2020 decider at Wembley Stadium.
Southgate was heavily criticized for England’s performances at Euro 2024 in Germany, where they won one of their first five games over 90 minutes and only avoided elimination against Slovakia thanks to a 95th-minute equalizer from Jude Bellingham.
They beat the Netherlands in the semi-finals with 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 game in March.
