Gareth Southgate‘s return from a relatively successful World Cup managing England will be celebrated with the temporary renaming of an Underground station after him.
Southgate Tube station will be branded Gareth Southgate from Monday morning in a stunt to last 48 hours, Transport for London (TfL) announced.
His squad’s fourth place finish in Russia was England’s best result since they also lost in the semi-final at Italia 90, and they also won a World Cup penalty shootout for the first time ever.
The national team flew back to the UK on Sunday for a low-key return. Southgate said this week he agreed with the FA’s decision to not have a homecoming parade to celebrate their success at this year’s tournament.
“It was not my decision but I agree with the decision. If we make the final maybe it is different,” said the England manager.
“But if we have a parade that would have been in one part of the country and we represent the whole country.”
England surprised many by getting to the semi-final of the World Cup but missed out on reaching their first final since 1966, after a 2-1 defeat to Croatia on Wednesday.
The Piccadilly line station, in Enfield, north London, will have its signs changed to display the manager’s name until the end of Tuesday.
Mark Wild, TfL’s London Underground managing director, said: “The great performance of the England team this summer brought people of all ages together in celebration.
“We’re delighted to be able to show our appreciation to Gareth and the team by renaming the station in his honour.
“This is another great example of how we, and brands, can work creatively together.”
Southgate will now turn his attention to qualifications for Euro 2020, which will see the semi-finals and final take place at Wembley Stadium.
PA
