- Gareth Southgate will receive a knighthood after his success as England boss
- His inclusion in the New Year Honours List was in jeopardy amid a tax issue
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Former England boss Gareth Southgate will receive a knighthood in the New Year Honours List for his work with the national team, according to a report.
He resigned from his role following their devastating 2-1 defeat by Spain in July’s Euro 2024 final.
The 54-year-old led the Three Lions to consecutive European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024, becoming the first England manager in history to do so.
As well as this, England reached their first major tournament final since 1966 at Euro 2020 under Southgate.
It was reported in October that he was set to receive a knighthood, but the decision required approval.
Now, that approval has been given and the letters are understood to have been sent out already by the Honours Committee, according to The Sun.
Prince William (left) giving Gareth Southgate (right) an award for reaching 150 England appearances as a player and manager in June before the 2024 Euro tournament
The 54-year-old won 64 of his games as England manager, drew 20, and lost just 18 of them
He led England to their first World Cup semi-final since 1990 at the 2018 competition in Russia
His inclusion in the list was in doubt amid a contentious tax issue.
Southgate had previously invested in a controversial film investment scheme Ingenious Media, and His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs and Whitehall executives investigated the investment.
But the former player was cleared after it was deemed that he did not break any rules, opening the door to receiving a knighthood, having previously missed out on the feat in 2021 as he was placed ‘amber’ on a ‘tax risk list’ at the time.
Southgate initially took charge of England on an interim basis. He assumed the position after a turbulent era of English football, in which fellow former Three Lions boss Sam Allardyce left the role by mutual consent after just 67 days, in 2016.
The Englishman was in charge for 102 matches, winning 64 of those, drawing 20, and losing just 18.
He reached two Euro finals as well as a World Cup semi-final in that time – the latter achievement earning him an OBE in 2019.
If Southgate receives a knighthood, he will follow in the footsteps of England greats Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson.