Former England boss Gareth Southgate ‘set for knighthood in the New Year Honours List after being cleared over tax controversy’

Former England manager Gareth Southgate is set for a knighthood, according to reports. 

Southgate, 54, resigned from his role as the national team boss following England’s devastating 2-1 defeat by Spain in July’s Euro 2024 final.

He spent eight years at the helm and guided the Three Lions to their first two major tournament finals since the country’s World Cup triumph in 1966.

His achievements have not gone unrecognised, with Southgate set for a knighthood in the New Year Honours List, according to The Sun. 

The same publication claims that his inclusion in the list was in doubt amid a contentious tax issue. 

Southgate’s inclusion in the New Year Honours List was in doubt amid a contentious tax issue

Southgate had previously invested in a controversial film investment scheme Ingenious Media, and HM Revenue & Customs and Whitehall executives investigated the investment. 

But the former player has been cleared after it was deemed that he did not break any rules, opening the door to a knighthood having previously missed out on the feat in 2021 as he was placed ‘amber’ on a ‘tax risk list’ at the time.

Southood’s knighthood still requires approval but a source told The Sun: ‘Now he’s cleared the checks, people are talking about him becoming “Sir Gareth”.’ 

They added: ‘Gareth deserves the knighthood and people in high places want to honour him.

‘He was a tremendous servant to England and came close to leading the team to their first silverware since 1966.

‘Gareth has also been a great role model and is a hugely respected public figure.’

The 54-year-old guided the Three Lions to their first two major tournament finals since 1966

Southgate took charge of England  on an interim basis. He assumed the position after a turbulent era of English football, in which fellow former Three Lions boss Sam Allardyce left the role by mutual consent after just 67 days, in 2016.

The Englishman was in charge for 102 matches, winning 64 of those, drawing 20, and losing just 18 – reaching two Euros finals as well as a World Cup semi-final in that time. 

If Southgate receives a knighthood, he will follow in the footsteps of England greats Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson.