Gareth Southgate reveals what his family have ‘made clear’ about his New Year’s honor

Former England manager Gareth Southgate has joked about his family’s reaction and said he is “incredibly grateful” after being knighted in the New Year’s Honors List.

Southgate led England to the Euro 2024 final before stepping down after eight years in July, having also guided the Three Lions to the Euro 2020 final and World Cup semi-finals of 2018.

“It has been the greatest honor to represent my country as a player and manager for some 20 years and to be part of the game I love for almost 40,” said Southgate, who also reached the semi-finals of Euro ’96. as a defender for England and played in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the amazing people and teams who have supported me both on and off the pitch. A special thanks to my family for their constant love and encouragement, although I have to admit they’ve made it clear that the titles that I have at home will remain unchanged.”

Congratulations Sir Gareth Southgate ❤️pic.twitter.com/NESgEiRxCm

— England (@England) December 30, 2024

Gareth Southgate was a gentleman

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 the players to share their pride in representing England,” said Football Association president Debbie Hewitt.

“It has been a privilege to meet the man and the manager. All of us who have experienced his thoughtfulness, dedication and leadership are delighted with this wonderful news.”

Southgate England record

The FA gave Southgate the role on a permanent basis after four games without a win as interim manager since September 2016.

England had a win ratio of almost 60% during his reign, winning 61 and losing 17 of their 102 matches while scoring 213 goals and conceding 72.

Arise, Sir Gareth! 🙌

Congratulations to our former captain and coach, who has been knighted in the New Year’s Honors list 👏 pic.twitter.com/FYUVisRdqJ

— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) December 31, 2024

In their first appearance in the final four 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 progressed to their first finals appearance since 1996, but lost on penalties to Italy at Wembley in the Euro 2020 decider.

Southgate was heavily criticized for England’s performances at Euro 2024 in Germany, where they won one of their first five games in 90 minutes and only avoided elimination at the hands of Slovakia thanks to an equalizer from Jude Bellingham at 95 minutes.

They came from behind to 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 is 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.