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Key Points

Gareth Southgate has been knighted for his transformative role as England manager, guiding the team to unprecedented consistency in major tournaments. The 53-year-old revitalized England after their 2016 Euro humiliation, reaching two Euro finals and a 2018 World Cup semi-final. Emotional at Windsor Castle, Southgate reflected on building special relationships with players and fans during his tenure. Though trophy-less, his legacy includes cementing England as a global football force.

Key Points: Gareth Southgate Knighted After Historic England Football Tenure

  • Led England to two Euro finals and 2018 World Cup semi-final
  • Transformed team after 2016 Iceland defeat
  • Honored for 102-game tenure without trophies
  • Played 57 caps for England as defender
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Ex-England coach Gareth Southgate receives knighthood

Former England manager Gareth Southgate receives knighthood for transforming national team, reaching two Euro finals and a World Cup semi-final.

"It’s an amazing privilege... The journey with fans and team was special - Gareth Southgate"

Windsor, June 25

Former England men’s senior football manager Sir Gareth Southgate has received a knighthood at Windsor Castle for his services to football. After leading England to four major tournaments and overseeing two EURO Finals and a World Cup semifinal appearance, Southgate has been awarded a knighthood, having previously been made an OBE in 2019.

The 53-year-old joined the team in 2016 after they had suffered an embarrassing defeat against Iceland in the Round of 16 at the 2016 Euros. Under his regime, England became one of the best defensive setups in the world, and although his 102-game tenure ended without a trophy, he will be remembered as one of the best managers in the country’s history, with two Euro finals appearances and one semi-final appearance in the 2018 World Cup.

“It’s an amazing privilege. I have to say I am more emotional than I thought I would be, but it was an amazing experience for my whole family. The lovely thing is you get to meet amazing people who have done amazing things for the country. The prince is a huge supporter of the England team. We have been fortunate to share some amazing moments and some unfortunate ones as well,” said Southgate to Sky Sports.

Southgate also reflected on his tenure as the England head coach. “Not quite where we wanted to get to in the end, but still, it was a period of consistency in English football. The journey we went on with the fans and team, working with a special group of players and staff. Of course, the games are important, but the relationships you build are really special,” he added.

Southgate also has 57 caps and two goals for England as a player in a decade-long career from 1995-2004. He has also managed the England U-21 team from 2013 to 2016.

He also had a lengthy club career playing for Crystal Palace (1988-95), Aston Villa (1995-2001) and Middlesbrough (2001-2006), making 503 appearances in all and scoring 26 goals.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Congratulations to Sir Southgate! 🎉 While we Indians are passionate about cricket, we can appreciate great sports leadership. His transformation of England's football team was remarkable. Hope our football team can learn from such examples of consistency and team-building.
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Priya M.
Deserved honor! Though I wonder why England celebrates 'almost-wins' so much. In India, we only celebrate actual trophies in cricket. Still, taking a team from Iceland humiliation to two Euro finals is no small achievement. Hope ISL coaches are taking notes!
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Amit S.
As someone who follows Premier League closely, Southgate brought much-needed stability to England team. But honestly, his conservative tactics in big matches cost them trophies. Knighthood seems too much for 'almost' achievements. Shouldn't honors be reserved for actual winners like Klopp or Guardiola?
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Neha T.
Emotional to see this! His leadership reminded me of how Dravid transformed Indian cricket culture. Not always about trophies, but building character and process. Hope our football federation learns from such examples. When will we see an Indian coach getting such recognition? 🤔
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Vikram J.
Nice to see sports personalities getting honored. In India, we mostly reserve such honors for bureaucrats and politicians. Southgate's humility and team-first approach is what made him special. England may not have won, but they became likeable under him - that's an achievement in itself!

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