Former England manager Gareth Southgate has been knighted after being recognised in the King's New Year Honours list. Southgate, 54, stepped down from his role after leading England to the final of Euro 2024. The Three Lions were beaten 2-1 by Spain in Berlin.

That was the second time his side had been runners-up in the Euros, following a penalty shootout defeat to Italy at Wembley three years previously. During his eight-year tenure, the former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender also led England to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the last-eight in Qatar in 2022. Overall, he managed the national side in 102 matches, winning 61 of them.

He attended Windsor Castle this morning, where he officially received the honour from Prince William. He's become the fourth ex-England manager to be knighted, following Sir Walter Winterbottom, Sir Alf Ramsey, and Sir Bobby Robson.

Reacting to the honour, Southgate told Sky Sports: "It's an amazing privilege, I have to say I'm more emotional than I thought I would be. But an amazing experience for me and my whole family today.

"To meet other award winners was very, very special. The Prince (William) has been a great supporter of the England team, we've been fortunate to share amazing moments and some disappointments where he's spoken to the team brilliantly. SO it was great to see him again."

Southgate credited the award to 'everyone' who had helped him in his career. He added: "Obviously my family have given me an incredible grounding in life, and my wife and children have been so supportive of everything I've done. And then everybody that I've worked with along the way, because when you're a manager you're dependent on working with good people."

As a player, Southgate made 638 club appearances during a 16-year career, and won 52 caps for England. After coming through the ranks at Palace, he joined Villa and played in their 1995/96 League Cup final win over Leeds, and lifted the same trophy as captain of Boro just under 10 years later.

Former England captain David Beckham, who played alongside Southgate at international level, is also set to be knighted. Rugby league legend Billy Boston was made a Sir earlier this month by King Charles at Buckingham Palace.