A Labour councillor will call for Watford Borough Council to honour England manager Gareth Southgate tonight.

The Watford-born manager led the Three Lions to their first major men’s final in 55 years this summer.

Unfortunately, the team fell at the final hurdle, losing on penalties to Italy at Wembley Stadium.

Yet the tournament should still be considered a successful showing for England, even more so considering the side also made the World Cup semi-final in 2018.

Newly elected Watford Labour councillor Dennis Watling will call for the council to honour Southgate and include Shim as part of Watford’s cultural recognition strategy 2018-2025 – “in recognition of his achievements in the game and the example he has set the nation.”

Cllr Watling said: “Gareth has not only been the cornerstone of the recent success of the national side, but his compassion for social issues highlighted in his open letter to England fans ahead of the tournament, is often statesmen like.

“His response to the abuse the lads faced after the game, and his ability to take ownership of the team’s loss as well as overcoming his own demons from ’96 must be commended. Several of our leading politicians could take a lesson in how he has handled the responsibility thrust upon him in 2016.

He added: “Having led the team with such dignity throughout the last four years he has proved that you can keep your integrity whilst still achieving your goals. Based on this I feel he is a fine example to set for his home town, residents and our communities.”

The 50-year-old England manager was born in Watford on September 3, 1970.

He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2019 New Year Honours for services to football.