Gareth Southgate to ‘still be knighted’ despite England’s defeat in the Euros final

Despite England’s loss to Italy in the Euros 2020 final last night, manager Gareth Southgate could still be on track to receive a knighthood. 

Before the final, there were numerous calls for the former Middlesborough player to be awarded the prestigious award for both his compassionate leadership and for getting the Three Lions through to their first major tournament final since 1966. 

Yet while many believed Southgate would only be knighted if England won the tournament, new reports are claiming that he could very well still be on track to be receive the honour. 

A Whitehall source told iNews that the strongest five-year record for an England manager in years deserved a knighthood. Meanwhile, The Times has claimed that Southgate – who also led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-final – will ‘still receive an honour.’

England Captain Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and a number of other players are also expected to be honoured for their efforts in the tournament. 

It was a devastating defeat for the Three Lions last night – after drawing 1-1 during the match and extra time, the Euros finalists took part in a tense penalty shootout, which eventually saw Italy come out as champions after beating England 3-2. 

Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka all missed their penalties during the shootout and as a result, were flooded with sickening abuse and racist remarks by internet trolls. The mural of Marcus Rashford in Withington was also vandalised in the hour following England’s defeat.

However, the players have all been met with a flurry of love and support from loyal England fans, who have all been calling for the racist trolls to be named, shamed and arrested for their actions.