Even if the Three Lions don’t make it to the 2024 European Championship final, England manager Gareth Southgate will still receive a knighthood.
The 53-year-old will lead the senior men’s team for the 101st time Thursday evening as England looks to defeat Spain in the championship game.
With his contract set to expire at the end of the year, Southgate‘s encounter with Dortmund might prove to be his final match as England’s manager. The Netherlands are a dynamic and well-organized team that will prevent England from reaching a second straight European Championship final.
Following the Euros, discussions are scheduled with Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham; nevertheless, The Telegraph reports that Southgate will become a Sir regardless of the result of tonight’s game against the Netherlands.
During Boris Johnson’s tenure, the former center-half for Middlesbrough and Aston Villa, who also earned 57 caps for England throughout a nine-year international career, was on the verge of receiving the prize.
England made it to the World Cup semifinals in 2018 and the quarterfinals two years prior, when they were unfortunately defeated by France, during his leadership.
Despite still waiting to win a major tournament, his success and longevity compares favorably with Sir Alf Ramsey, England’s 1996 World Cup winning coach, and Sir Bobby Robson who was knighted 12 years after standing down.
The prospect of receiving such an honour is unlikely to be anywhere near Southgate’s thoughts as he begins his final preparations for England’s biggest match in three years.
Indeed, Southgate insists England’s players are ready to make history, having overcome external noise, the weight of expectation and a fear of failure to reach another semi-final.
After topping their group in unconvincing fashion, the Euro 2020 runners-up needed a stunning Jude Bellingham strike to save their blushes against Slovakia before beating Switzerland on penalties.
‘You’re now into that moment in the tournament where it’s what’s possible, what’s achievable, rather than what might go wrong,’ boss Southgate said.
‘This is now the chance to make history, which we’ve enjoyed doing. A chance to get to a first final not held in England – first time England will have ever done that.
‘We’re trying to break new ground. That’s difficult and it’s complicated, but the players have responded brilliantly and resilience has been built.’