Knighthood for Gareth if he wins …CBE if he loses

GARETH SOUTHGATE is set to receive further honours recognising his achievement in restoring pride in the England national team, even if they lose tomorrow’s final. The 50-year-old was awarded an OBE in the 2019 New Year Honours after his side reached the World Cup semi-finals the previous year and Sportsmail has been told that is likely to be upgraded to a CBE regardless of tomorrow’s result. A knighthood is seen as inevitable if England beat Italy to lift their first major trophy for 55 years. Alf Ramsey was knighted in 1967 following England’s World Cup win and Southgate would not have to wait long to achieve the same status. It is unclear whether all England’s players would be similarly honoured, because in recent years the Cabinet Office have shied away from rewarding entire teams. That follows mockery over the MBEs given to all the 2005 Ashes winners, including Paul

Collingwood, who only played one Test in that series. After England’s Cricket World Cup win in 2019, captain Eoin Morgan received a CBE, Ben Stokes an OBE and Joe Root and Jos Buttler MBEs. Coach Trevor Bayliss was also given an OBE, but the rest of the players missed out. Harry Kane received an MBE after winning the Golden Boot as top scorer at the 2018 World Cup, and Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling were given MBEs in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for their campaigning charity work and promotion of racial equality. All three could have their honours upgraded, and other key members of the England squad may also be recognised.