WIN OR LOSE, ARISE SIR GARETH BUT PLEASE WIN!

IN recognition of his tireless work to bring football home, England fans want Gareth Southgate knighted - win or lose tomorrow night.

- Giles Sheldrick

With hopes high of victory over Spain in the Euros final, the Express has launched a petition for the manager to be made Sir Gareth.

Regardless of the result, fans agree it would be a fitting honour for the man who has turned England from perennial under-achievers into a fearless force and made the country smile again.

Three Lions fan Phil Norris, from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, summed up the mood, saying: "We'll be toasting Gareth Southgate in our house when the game starts. He has taken us to the brink of glory again.

Forget all the talk of a bank holiday, just give that man a knighthood - win or lose.

"My daughters are only 10 and eight but have now seen England reach the final of two successive European Championships thanks to him."

Former Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel agreed and said: "We should all be proud of the achievements of the England team, the leadership of Gareth Southgate and the way our team have conducted themselves while lifting our spirits as a nation.

"They deserve our admiration and I look forward to seeing Gareth being recognised for his achievements and service to our country as England manager for eight years."

Dame Caroline Dinenage, Tory MP for Gosport, added: "While we are all glued to the mega-match, remember it's Gareth Southgate who got us there.

"For services to sport and national pride, he deserves the knighthood."

Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey also gave the knighthood a thumbs-up, saying: "Gareth and the team have brought the nation together and brightened up the summer. Win or lose, of course he should be given a knighthood. It would be the least he deserves for giving us all these wonderful memories over many years."

And Aphra Brandreth, Tory MP for Chester South and Eddisbury, said: "Whatever the outcome, his contribution to football and his support for the team really mean he deserves to be recognised."