Gareth Southgate joins England's footballing immortals with OBE honour
GARETH SOUTHGATE has become a World Cup winner — and joined England’s immortals.
The Three Lions boss was awarded an OBE for leading our boys to the semi-finals of Russia 2018 in the summer.
Southgate, 48, joins Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson in being recognised for his heroics with the national team.
And star striker Harry Kane is a winner too, landing an MBE in The Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.
Southgate said: “I’m an incredibly proud Englishman.
“So, having had the opportunity to represent my country as a player more than 50 times and then to manage the team at a World Cup has been an absolute privilege.
“I hope that everybody that has supported me throughout my career feels pride in the fact that I’ve received this honour because I wouldn’t be in this position without that help and guidance.”
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8England defied the odds to reach the final four in Russia, where they lost 2-1 to Croatia.
That matched the country’s best ever performance on foreign soil.
Skipper Kane, 25, who was awarded the MBE, follows Bobby Moore and Peter Shilton in being the only England players to be recognised in the New Year honours after a World Cup.
The Spurs striker scored six goals in Russia to win the Golden Boot.
Southgate’s young side had the country going bonkers as they beat Colombia on penalties in the last-16 to seal their first-ever World Cup shootout win.
They then saw off Sweden 2-0 to reach the semis for the first time since 1990 and were eyeing a first World Cup final since 1966.
They fell agonisingly short though, losing 2-1 after extra time to Croatia in the semi-final.
In October, Southgate signed a new deal worth £3million a year, which will take him through to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Last month he guided England to Nations League Group A triumph with wins over Spain and Croatia.
That means England will take part in next summer’s finals alongside hosts Portugal, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore, who has headed the organisation for almost 20 years and will shortly step down from his role, has been awarded a CBE for services to football.
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