England manager Gareth Southgate is in line for a knighthood, even if the Three Lions fail to reach the final of Euro 2024.
The 53-year-old is set to take charge of the senior men’s side for the 101st time this evening with England eyeing up a place in the final against Spain.
A vibrant, disciplined Netherlands side will block England’s path to a second consecutive European Championship final and Southgate’s date with density in Dortmund could yet transpire to be his last game as England boss with his contract due to run until the end of the calendar year.
Talks are planned with Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham after the Euros but, regardless of the outcome of tonight’s match against the Dutch, Southgate is set to become a Sir, according to The Telegraph.
The former Middlesbrough and Aston Villa centre-half, who was also capped on on 57 occasions by England during an international career that spanned nine years, came close to being awarded the accolade during Boris Johnson’s regime.
Under his tenure, England have also reached a World Cup semi final in 2018 and a quarter final two years ago where they suffered an unfortunate defeat against France.
Despite still waiting to win a major tournament, his success and longevity compares favourably 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.’
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