Gareth Southgate’s knighthood is a reward for failure

Some of football’s greatest names have been knighted for their achievements in the game. Sir Alf Ramsey received his gong for leading England to World Cup victory in 1966, an achievement unrivalled to this day. Sir Alex Ferguson became a footballing knight for turning Manchester United into serial winners of the Premier League. This exclusive group also includes some of the game’s greatest legends on the pitch, including Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Geoff Hurst and Sir Bobby Charlton. And now, joining these illustrious ranks is Gareth Southgate, the former England manager, who has been awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours list. Arise, Sir Gareth. Why though? What has Southgate, a journeyman defender and failed England manager, done to merit the honour? It smacks of rewarding failure.

Southgate’s record as manager of the England team speaks for itself. Eight years, three favourable draws in major international tournaments, yet not a single trophy to show for it.