Bookmakers have slashed the odds on England head coach Gareth Southgate being knighted in the New Year honours list.
Recent history shows that British coaches are rewarded for their achievements and Southgate is being tipped to follow the footsteps of cycling’s Sir Dave Brailsford, rugby’s Sir Clive Woodward, rowing’s Sir David Tanner, Sir Alex Ferguson and…other England bosses Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Alf Ramsey.
Now with England in the semi-finals of the World Cup, they are just two wins away from victory, which would fire Southgate into football legend and put him on par with Ramsey – who led his nation to victory in 1966.
“Just as the Bookmakers are slashing England’s odds for World Cup triumph, naturally the odds on a knighthood for Southgate are coming in,” said OddsMonkey spokesman Peter Watton.
“They are now generally into 6/4, victory on Wednesday against Croatia will see those drop further.
“And apart from Southgate, what about Harry Kane – set for the Golden Boot, but can you imagine he bags a hat-trick in the final? His current odds of 10/1 to also be knighted, will also come in.
England ‘Sirs’ selected odds:
Gareth Southgate to be knighted in New Year 6/4
Harry Kane to be knighted in New Year 10/1