Former England manager Gareth Southgate joked about his family’s reaction and said he was “incredibly grateful” after being awarded a knighthood in the New Year’s honors list.

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

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

“I am incredibly grateful to the amazing people and teams who have supported me on and off the field. Special thanks to my family for their constant love and encouragement, although I must admit that they have made it clear that the titles I keep at home will remain.

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 receive the knighthood 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 they believed in and inspired players to share his pride in representing England,” said Debbie Hewitt, chairman of the Football Association.

“It has been a privilege to know 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 following a four-game unbeaten run as interim manager from September 2016.

England’s win ratio during his reign was around 60%, scoring 213 goals and conceding 72 while winning 61 and losing 17 of their 102 matches.

Arise, Sir Gareth! 🙌

Congratulations to our former captain and manager who have 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 at the 2018 World Cup before losing 2–1 to Croatia after extra time.

Three years later, they also advanced 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 performance at Euro 2024 in Germany, where they won one of their first five games within 90 minutes and only avoided elimination at the hands of Slovakia thanks to a 95th-minute Jude Bellingham equaliser.

They came from behind to beat the Netherlands in the semi-finals with an Ollie Watkins winner in the 90th minute before losing 2–1 to Spain in the final.

Southgate, who has yet to take up another role, resigned two days after the defeat. Thomas Tuchel was announced as his successor in October and will take charge for his first game in March.