FOOTBALL fans are calling for Gareth Southgate to be knighted if he leads England to Euro success.

The Crawley-born manager guided his side to their first final in 55 years on Wednesday after beating Denmark 2-1 at Wembley.

The England national team won their first and only trophy in 1966, managed by Alf Ramsey – who was knighted the following year in recognition of the World Cup win.

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Following the heroics in the Euro 2020 semi-final on Wednesday, many fans have taken to social media to encourage the Queen to follow suit and reward Gareth with a similar honour.

“The Right Honourable Sir Gareth Southgate, Prime Minister, please,” one fan wrote on Twitter.

Another wrote: “Arise Sir Gareth Southgate. Not just a great manager, but an inclusive and inspirational leader. Well done England.”

Gareth, who attended Pound Hill Junior School and Hazelwick School in Crawley, was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2019 New Year Honours for services to football.

Gatwick Airport, near Crawley, is also considering changing the name of the South Terminal to Southgate Terminal, in honour of the England manager.

The airport’s Twitter account said before kick-off against Denmark: “We’re cheering on the Three Lions in tonight’s Euro 2020 game... in particular our homegrown Crawley hero Gareth Southgate.

“If he brings it home, what do you think about renaming the South Terminal ‘Southgate Terminal?”

The South Terminal is currently closed due to less frequent flights, which are only operating out of the North Terminal.

Gatwick Airport, also known as London Gatwick, is the second busiest airport by total passenger traffic in the UK.

It is also the tenth busiest airport in Europe.

A petition has also been set up for a statue of the England manager to be built in Crawley.

Gareth Southgate’s side will play Italy in the final of the competition on Sunday at 8pm. The Italians beat Spain in the other semi-final on penalties.

Prior to Wednesday’s game, England had been knocked out in their last three major semi-finals.