Sir Gareth Southgate Knighted for Services to Football

Gareth Southgate has been knighted for his services to football, joining an exclusive club of managers who have received the prestigious honour. The former England manager, who stepped down after the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, received the knighthood at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.

The 54-year-old is only the seventh football manager to be knighted, recognised not only for his achievements on the pitch but also for his significant influence and conduct off it.

Elite Company: Southgate Joins Footballing Knights

Southgate joins a distinguished list of footballing knights that includes:

Sir Alf Ramsey (England's World Cup-winning manager) Sir Matt Busby (Manchester United legend) Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United legend) Sir Bobby Robson (England, Barcelona, Newcastle and Ipswich great) Sir Kenny Dalglish (Liverpool legend and Premier League-winning manager) Sir Walter Winterbottom (England's first international manager)

While Southgate's tenure didn't culminate in major silverware, his impact on the England national team and its public image is undeniable. His leadership helped restore pride and connection between the team and its supporters.

A Legacy Beyond Trophies: Restoring England's Image

Southgate took over the England job in late 2016, following Sam Allardyce's brief and controversial spell. He inherited a team struggling for identity and public support. While he ultimately fell short of ending England's trophy drought since the 1966 World Cup, he guided the team to a World Cup semi-final in 2018, a Euro 2020 final (held in 2021), and the Euro 2024 final.

"Southgate's real achievement was in making England competitive again and fostering a positive environment within the squad," says football analyst Alan Shearer. "He instilled a sense of belief and unity that had been missing for years. While the lack of a trophy will always be a talking point, his contribution to English football shouldn't be underestimated."

Navigating Thorny Issues: A Leader On and Off the Pitch

Beyond the pitch, Southgate demonstrated strong leadership on social issues. He addressed racism within football and society, notably after England players were subjected to racist abuse during a Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria in 2019. He also spoke on the LGBTQI+ community’s concerns regarding the ‘OneLove’ armband controversy at the Qatar World Cup.

His willingness to engage with these sensitive topics made him a respected figure beyond the sport itself, solidifying his role as an ambassador for the Football Association and the country.

Tactical Debates and Near Misses

Despite his positive impact, Southgate's tenure wasn't without criticism. He faced scrutiny for his tactical approach, particularly in crucial matches where England held leads but ultimately lost. The World Cup semi-final defeat to Croatia in 2018 and the Euro 2020 final loss to Italy are often cited as examples where his conservative tactics were questioned.

However, former England international Rio Ferdinand argues that Southgate's pragmatism was often a strength. "He built a team that was difficult to beat, and that's why they consistently reached the latter stages of tournaments," Ferdinand stated. "While some might have wanted a more attacking approach, Southgate prioritised stability and organisation, which ultimately served England well."

End of an Era: Reflections on Southgate's England

Southgate's departure after the Euro 2024 final marked the end of an era for England. His time in charge saw the national team reconnect with its supporters and achieve consistent success on the international stage, even if the elusive trophy remained out of reach.

His knighthood is a testament to his overall contribution to English football, recognizing not only his managerial achievements but also his character, leadership, and commitment to representing the country with dignity and integrity. The Prince of Wales, FA president, conducted the investiture, highlighting the FA's respect for Southgate.

What Next for Southgate? While Southgate's next move remains unconfirmed, speculation is rife about potential roles in club management or even a future position within the Football Association. Regardless of his future endeavors, his legacy as a transformative figure in English football is secure.