GARETH'S ROAD TO A ROYAL REWARD

From humble beginnings... to almost ruling the world

- Simon Bird

GARETH SOUTHGATE'S managerial journey started in a humble schoolyard in May 2006.

It ended, for now, with him making the nation fall in love with the England men's football team once again and today in becoming Sir Gareth.

Back in 2006 he was Middlesbrough captain.

Southgate's manager, Steve McClaren, had landed the England job on the back of the Teessiders' charge to the UEFA Cup final.

Southgate invited me to watch him talk to primary school children fittingly for what was to unfold in recent years - about the importance of sport in all our lives.

Years later, he would lead England to two European Championship finals, which they lost, and a World Cup semi-final.

Now Southgate, 54, has been honoured for his services to football.