Sir Gareth Southgate! Ex-England boss 'set for knighthood' after being cleared of 'controversial tax scheme'

Southgate, who stepped down from his role as England boss after heartbreak in the Euro 2024 final against Spain, is set to receive the knighthood in the New Year Honours list, according to The Sun. The report adds that he was being scrutinised over investing in a controversial film investment scheme, but has now been cleared by the authorities and is set to receive the honour.

The Sun quoted a source who all but confirmed the news: "Now he's cleared the checks, people are talking about him becoming 'Sir Gareth'. Gareth deserves the knighthood and people in high places want to honour him. He was a tremendous servant to England and came close to leading the team to their first silverware since 1966. Gareth has also been a great role model and is a hugely respected public figure."

If Southgate does get knighted, he will only become the third England coach in history to receive the honour after Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson. The 54-year-old is undoubtedly one of the most successful Three Lions managers. While he failed to end the long trophy drought that has plagued the men's team, he did guide them to back-to-back European Championship finals and reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The Guardian recently reported that Premier League outfit Crystal Palace are considering appointing Southgate as their next manager as they consider replacing Oliver Glasner after a dismal start to the 2024-25 campaign. Southgate came through the youth ranks at Selhurst Park and made 191 appearances for the Eagles.