Gareth Southgate 'rewarded for failure' as former England boss set for knighthood on New Year Honour List

England were once again beaten at the final hurdle, this time by Spain after losing to Italy three years ago.

He's the first manager in England history to lead the nation to two major tournament finals as well as the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2018.

And Southgate will reportedly knighted for his services to English football by featuring on the New Year Honours List.

A source told The Sun: “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.”

But not many are on board with Southgate being given such a prestigious award.

One message read: "So rewarding failure."

Another fumed: "Awarding failure, that's this country all over."

A third wrote: "Doesn't deserve it, maybe reward for knighthood failure."

One other frustratingly asked: "Why the heck should Southgate get a gong!"

Another said: "There are far too many who have achieved nothing but got knighted. Southgate is a good example. This title is damn cheap."

Southgate is yet to step back into management since leaving the England job this summer.

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However, he has taken up a job with UEFA to work as a technical observer going forward.

The role will see Southgate work with UEFA in analysing games from a coaching perspective to help spot new trends emerging in football to help improve education for young managers.

Southgate's name has also been linked with the Manchester United job as Erik ten Hag continues to come under pressure.