England’s coach, Gareth Southgate, and team captain, Harry Kane, have been recognized in Queen Elizabeth’s New Year’s honours list for their remarkable performance in the World Cup, where the team surprised many by reaching the semifinals.
Shifting away from soccer to cycling, Geraint Thomas emerged victorious in the Tour de France last July. Thomas was recently named BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year and received an OBE. Additionally, former cricket captain Alastair Cook and ex-rugby skipper Bill Beaumont from England have been knighted.
After years of disappointments in major tournaments, the English soccer team matched their best overseas performance at the World Cup earlier this year. Southgate, the 48-year-old coach, played a crucial role in transforming the team’s culture during the surprising display in Russia, leading them to the inaugural finals of the UEFA Nations League and earning an Officer of the Order of the British Empire title.
Southgate expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his career, stating that he takes this honour with immense pride, acknowledging that he wouldn’t be where he is without their guidance. Kane was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for securing the Golden Boot as the top scorer in the World Cup. The 25-year-old striker scored six goals as part of Southgate’s team that reached the final.
