GARETH Southgate is reportedly being considered for a knighthood after England’s epic Euro 2020 run.
The Three Lions fell agonisingly short of a historic Euros win after losing a penalty shootout to Italy in last night’s final.
Now manager Southgate, 50, could receive another prestigious honour from the Queen despite the heartbreaking defeat.
Health Minister Edward Argar was asked by LBC’s Nick Ferrari if there were any plans to recognise the team’s efforts by giving Southgate a higher honour.
Mr Argar said: “I am sure that there will be many ways in which we can say thank you to them and recognise that and I suspect that will be looked at in the coming days.”
Southgate will reportedly at least see the OBE he was awarded in 2019 upgraded to a CBE honour.
Southgate was awarded an OBE after guiding England to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup – the furthest the team gone in a major tournament since his infamous penalty miss in 1996 against Germany.
According to the Daily Mail, he has been informed that it is likely to be upgraded to a CBE despite England’s loss to Italy.
Harry Kane received an MBE after winning the Golden Boot as top scorer at the 2018 World Cup, with six goals.
Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling were given MBEs in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for their charity work and promotion of racial equality.
Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
All three could have their honours upgraded with other key members of the England squad also set to be recognised.
The manager took full responsibility as three England subs missed shootout penalties in Italy’s Euro 2020 final triumph.
Southgate’s self-confessed “gamble” failed after he brought on Marcus Rashford plus fellow club-penalty taker Jadon Sancho deep in extra time after Bukayo Saka‘s earlier introduction.
All three missed from the spot as Italy won the shootout 3-2 following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Three Lions’ boss Southgate, who famously missed a Euro 96 semi-final penalty, was quick to console a distraught Saka – while Sancho was also in tears..
And Southgate told ITV: “it’s my responsibility. I chose the players to take the kicks.
“We decided to make the changes near the end of the game, and we win and lose together as a team.”
