Sir Gareth, 54, leads a host of stars from the worlds of sport and showbusiness recognised in the New Year Honours today.
The former Three Lions manager's top gong was widely supported - with the Daily Express calling for the honour on the eve of the Euro 2024 Final in July.
Sir Gareth also led his country to the Euro 2020 final and 2018 World Cup semi-final.
The former England and Premier League star resigned in the summer after the 2-1 Euros final loss to Spain marking the end of an eight-year stint in the hotseat dubbed "the impossible job".
He was joined in getting a knighthood by a "startled and enchanted" Blackadder star and QI host Stephen Fry who was honoured for services to mental health awareness.
Since 2011, he has been president of charity Mind and supports the conservation group Fauna and Flora International, of which the Prince of Wales is patron.
Sir Stephen added: "When you are recognised it does make you feel a bit 'crikey'. The most emotional thing is when I think of my childhood, my unhappiness and misery and stupidity and everything that led to so many failures.
"For my parents, really, what a disaster. Every time the phone rang, they thought, 'Oh, God, what has Stephen done now'. It was a sort of joke in the family."
Thrilled
US-British author and broadcaster Loyd Grossman, 74, who presented MasterChef from 1990 to 2000, said he was "close to speechless" with his knighthood, while Daily Express columnist Alan Titchmarsh said he was "thrilled to bits" with a CBE.
The horticultural expert and best-selling author, 75, said that telling his wife and daughters about the honour was a "teary moment".
He added: "I've been an MBE for 25 years, so I kind of thought that was... I've been very happy with that. I'm flattered beyond belief." Alan has been a familiar face on television screens for many years, first covering the Chelsea Flower Show for the BBC in 1983.
This story is from the December 31, 2024 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 31, 2024 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
IDEAL TONIC FOR ARTETA
Bug-hit Gunners roar back as quick double floors Bees
Pickford loving good old days
JORDAN SAVOURS THE GOODISON FAREWELL
The 12-minute workout that keeps Dame Helen looking fabulous at 79
DAME Helen Mirren says people on a new year health kick needn't splurge on gyms - she still swears by a 12-minute daily routine at home.
WILSON'S A WINNER FOR BLACK CATS
Sunderland home in on top
Kop that! Bunting weaves his magic
TITLE GLORY AND ANFIELD IN SIGHT
RAI HAS 'GREAT' SHOT AT CALL-UP
Donald says Aaron is on f right track for Ryder Cup
HENDO FINDS A GOOD PLACE
LUCKY PLACE impressed with a Relkeel Hurdle triumph at Cheltenham - and is now 10-1 (from 25-1) for the Stayers' Hurdle at the National Hunt Festival in March.
After years of treating my body badly, I now treat it well
Dylan Simkin, 49, had been overweight since his 20s and had a liver transplant in 2021. But after the op he hit 19 stone, so the maths tutor, from Atherstone, Warks, turned to his local Slimming World for help
Can Gen Z's new noise trend bring me calm?
Lying on a hard dance floor with just a thin mat and cushion under my knees for comfort, my back cannot get comfy and my hair gets stuck in my headphones.
'My secret for a long life? Don't get married!'
Kath reflects on love of freedom as she turns 103
