GB News panel discuss Gareth Southgate receiving a knighthood
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Gareth Southgate was given a knighthood at Windsor Castle this morning by Prince William, just days after his bid to become the new Poland manager was rejected.
The former England boss, 54, is being honoured for his services to association football.
Southgate was previously awarded an OBE in the 2019 New Year Honours for his services to the game.
The 54-year-old Southgate becomes the fourth England manager to receive a knighthood, following Sir Walter Winterbottom, Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson.
Gareth Southgate has been knighted by Prince William.
PA
The former England manager resigned from his position in July last year following the Three Lions' 2-1 defeat to Spain in the European Championship final.
During his eight-year tenure, Southgate guided England to consecutive European Championship finals in 2020 and 2024, as well as reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.
He took charge of 102 matches and remains the only manager to lead England's men's team to two major tournament finals.
Thomas Tuchel has since succeeded him in the role, whilst Southgate has remained out of management despite being linked with positions including Manchester United last October.
The former England boss was recognised for his services to association football.
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His honour from Prince William, comes just days after his move to become Poland's new manager was rejected by the Polish FA.
Polish FA chief Cezary Kulesza revealed that whilst they received an offer to hire the former England boss, he was overlooked due to his reluctance to provide guarantees about qualification.
"We have received an offer to hire him," Kulesza told Polish paper Przeglad Sportowy.
"But we must remember one basic thing: no foreign coach will give us a guarantee that we will qualify for the World Cup. If he gave us such a guarantee, I would hire him immediately."
Southgate guided the Three Lions to two consecutive European Championship finals.
PA
The Poland job became available following Michal Probierz's resignation after a dispute with Robert Lewandowski.
Southgate enjoyed a distinguished playing career spanning 16 years, making over 600 appearances at club level for Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough, primarily as a defender.
He earned 57 caps for England between 1995 and 2004, representing his country at three major tournaments including the 1998 World Cup.
Following his sacking as Middlesbrough manager, Southgate joined the Football Association in February 2011 as head of elite development.
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The honour comes just days after Southgate's bid to become the new Poland manager was rejected by the nation's FA.
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He progressed to coaching the under-21s before his appointment as senior team manager in September 2016, initially on a temporary basis.
Also honoured with knighthoods at today's investiture ceremony were Stuart Carlton and Gerald Davies.
Carlton, Corporate Director of Children's Services at North Yorkshire County Council, was knighted for his services to children, young people and families.
Davies, a Welsh Rugby Union legend, was recognised for services to Rugby Union, and to voluntary and charitable service in Wales.