Former England manager Gareth Southgate has been called one of the country’s ‘greatest ever managers after receiving a knighthood in the New Year Honours.
He becomes the fourth ex-England boss to receive the honour, joining Sir Walter Winterbottom, Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson in the exclusive group.
During his time in charge of the Three Lions, England reached the European Championship final twice – though his side never went one further to win the tournament.
England were beaten by Spain in the summer of 2024 at the Euro final, with Southgate resigning three days after, while the Three Lions also reached the final at Euro 2020.
Gareth Southgate has been knighted
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However, on that occasion, Italy beat England on penalties at Wembley while Southgate also led his team to the quarter-final of the 2022 World Cup.
While Southgate was unable to end England’s long wait for a trophy – stretching back to 1966 with their solitary World Cup victory – he is the only manager to take them to two major tournament finals.
FA chair Debbie Hewitt paid tribute to the 54-year-old for his services to the national team after eight years at the helm.
She said: “On behalf of us all at the Football Association, I congratulate Sir Gareth on this richly deserved honour.
“Throughout his career in the game as a player, coach and change-maker, he has embodied the best of English football.
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“One of our greatest ever managers, Sir Gareth’s remarkable coaching achievements across four major tournaments include two successive Euro finals, equalling our best-ever men’s World Cup performance away from home and being ranked in the world’s top five for more than five years.
“Off the field, he brought our fans closer than ever to the team, stood up for what he believed in and inspired players to share his pride in representing England.
“It has been a privilege to know the man and the manager.
Gareth Southgate took England to two major tournament finals
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As well as his eight years in charge of the England team, Southgate has contributed vastly to the world of football.
From 1995 to 2004, he played 57 times for the Three Lions and at three major tournaments – Euro 1996, 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
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Gareth Southgate was a popular figure among the England players
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His career hit a low when he missed a crucial penalty at Euro 1996 in the semi-final against Germany but he went on to become Middlesbrough manager, leading them to the UEFA Cup final in 2006.
In 2013, Southgate landed the Under-21 job with England where he led them to victory at the Toulon tournament in 2016.
A few months later and he had the senior position, stepping up after Sam Allardyce was sacked following just one game in charge.