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Gareth Southgate will reportedly be knighted if England win Euro 2024 (Image: GETTY)
Gareth Southgate is reportedly in line for a knighthood if England win Euro 2024 and could even receive one if the Three Lions fall short. The 53-year-old is currently preparing for one of the biggest games of his managerial career, with England set to face the Netherlands in the semi-finals.
Southgate is statistically among England's most successful bosses, having led them to three semi-finals in their last four major tournaments. They came within a penalty shoot-out of winning the Euros three years ago, only to lose to Italy under the Wembley arch.
England will be desperate to put things right in Germany in what is expected to be Southgate's final tournament in charge. He will be knighted if he brings the trophy home, according to The Telegraph, after narrowly missing out on the honour in 2021.
The Three Lions are among the favourites to win this summer's Euro 2024 tournament and you can get your hands on the brand new Nike home and away kits before the first whistle.
It is said that Southgate was close to being offered a knighthood after England were beaten by Italy on penalties, but it never materialised. Talks reportedly ended following a debate in government about Southgate's involvement in a film investment scheme that was challenged over tax avoidance rules.
The England boss, whose spokesperson previously stressed that he has 'always paid his taxes', was said to have immediately resolved the matter when it was first raised. Southgate's tax affairs did not prevent him from receiving an OBE in 2019.
There is a chance that Southgate could be knighted regardless of whether England win the Euros, while Harry Kane is expected to be handed at least an OBE if he lifts the trophy. Other members of the squad could reportedly be awarded honours if the Three Lions achieve European glory for the very first time.
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The process could reportedly be complicated by Labour's victory in the general election and whether Rishi Sunak decides to submit a resignation honours list. His replacement as prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, is due to attend the Euro 2024 final on Sunday if England get there.
If Southgate is knighted, there is no guarantee that he would immediately receive the honour which could arrive further down the line. Sir Bobby Robson, for example, was knighted 12 years after leaving the England job in 1990.
Sir Alf Ramsey, who led England to their only World Cup triumph in 1966, received a knighthood the following year in recognition of his achievement. All members of the squad were awarded OBEs, while Sir Bobby Moore and Sir Geoff Hurst were later handed knighthoods.
