Former England boss honoured for services to football despite recent rejection for Polish national team job
Gareth Southgate put on a brave face at Windsor Castle this morning as Prince William bestowed upon him one of the nation’s highest honours – just days after his hopes of a swift return to international management were dashed.
The former England manager, 54, received his knighthood for services to association football in a ceremony that celebrated his eight-year tenure with the Three Lions, despite the bitter timing following Poland’s rejection of his candidacy for their vacant manager’s position.
Dressed immaculately for the occasion, Sir Gareth showed no signs of disappointment from the Polish snub as he knelt before the Prince of Wales to receive the accolade that puts him among English football’s most distinguished figures.
From rejection to recognition
The timing of today’s ceremony couldn’t have been more poignant. Just days ago, Southgate’s bid to take charge of Poland’s national team was unceremoniously rejected, leaving the former England boss still searching for his next challenge six months after stepping down from the Three Lions.
But if the Polish setback stung, Sir Gareth didn’t show it as he arrived at Windsor Castle to receive recognition for transforming England from international also-rans to genuine contenders.
A legacy worth honouring
Under Southgate’s stewardship, England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, the final of Euro 2020, and the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup – their most consistent period of success since 1966.
His dignified leadership both on and off the pitch, coupled with his role in modernising the England setup and making the team genuinely likeable again, earned him widespread respect far beyond football circles.
The knighthood recognises not just the results, but the way Southgate changed the culture around the national team, making players proud to wear the shirt again and reconnecting with fans after years of disappointment.
The Poland puzzle
News of Poland’s rejection will have come as a surprise to many who assumed Southgate would have his pick of international jobs after leaving England.
The Polish Football Association’s decision to look elsewhere suggests they perhaps wanted a different style of manager, though missing out on someone of Sir Gareth’s calibre and experience might prove to be their loss.
For Southgate, who had reportedly been keen on a quick return to international football, it represents a rare professional setback in what has otherwise been a stellar career trajectory.
What next for Sir Gareth?
Today’s honour caps a remarkable journey for the boy from Watford who went from missing a crucial penalty at Euro 96 to becoming one of England’s most successful managers.
But at just 54, Sir Gareth has plenty of football left in him. The Poland rejection may sting, but with a knighthood now added to his CV, doors across world football remain wide open.
Whether it’s another international role, a top club job, or even a position within football administration, Sir Gareth Southgate’s story is far from over.
For now, though, he can bask in the recognition of a grateful nation – even if the Poles didn’t fancy what he had to offer.
Not a bad consolation prize, all things considered.
Gareth Southgate at St George’s Park with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
Photo by Simon Walker / No 10 Downing Street, taken on 10 October 2023 at 11:10, used under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license
