Gareth Southgate should be knighted after Euro 2024 final even if England lose

Arise Sir Gareth Southgate. The England boss deserves a knighthood even if he does not win the Euro 2024 final.

Taking the country to three semi-finals in four major tournaments is a huge achievement after decades of disappointment.

There was no shame in losing to eventual winners France in the 2022 World Cup quarters, either.

Southgate has come under heavy criticism for England's style of play, but what he has done off the pitch and how he carries himself should earn him the new title.

The Three Lions boss has galvanised a nation and given us hope again. He has consistently delivered special moments and brought everybody together.

Isn't that the beauty of sport?

Southgate has also buried huge demons of the past. For decades we were petrified of penalty shootouts but behind-the-scenes wizardry has turned spot kicks into a huge advantage.

He has created an open and honest environment where the highs are not too high and the lows are not too low.

Sir Alf Ramsey was knighted the following year after winning the 1966 World Cup.

Southgate is the best manager since and should follow in his footsteps - whichever way the result goes.

But first, it is time to get the job done in Berlin to crown off a stellar eight-year reign.

Southgate touch of class

England rugby stars revelled in their football counterpart's success singing "Southgate you're the one" after the victory over the Netherlands.

And it is great to see Southgate playing a slight role in helping the rugby squad on their New Zealand series.

He showed his class by messaging Steve Borthwick when the Euro 2024 team tuned in for the 16-15 defeat last weekend.

Red Bull must axe Perez

Red Bull have to be thinking about axing Sergio Perez mid-season or they risk throwing away their 71-point lead.

Perez had another shocker at Silverstone, finishing 17th and was lapped twice. He has failed to finish in the top six in the last six races.

If the Mexican keeps this up, he could be out of work by the end of the season, despite only signing a new two-year contract last month.