Former England defender Sol Campbell lists nine reasons he deserves a knighthood

Former England, Arsenal and Tottenham defender Sol Campbell has listed nine reasons he believes he deserves a knighthood.

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Campbell was one of the best defenders in the world during the late 1990s and early 2000s, winning two Premier League titles with Arsenal and earning 73 caps for England.

Having come through Tottenham’s academy, Campbell made more than 300 first-team appearances for Spurs before making a controversial move to north London rivals Arsenal in 2001.

Campbell would spend five seasons with Arsenal and lifted two league titles and three FA Cups under Arsene Wenger, while also reaching a Champions League final with the Gunners.

The centre-back, now 48, was a key member of Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ and still holds the record for the longest run of Premier League games without a defeat.

On the international stage, Campbell featured for England at three World Cups and three European Championships and was named in the Team of the Tournament at the 2002 World Cup and at Euro 2004.

Campbell believes his achievements for club and country should be reflected in an OBE, MBE or knighthood and says ‘a lot’ of other sportspeople with less impressive records have been honoured.

Writing on Twitter, Campbell, said: ‘I’ve seen a lot of people get MBE OBE Sir’s for services to sport so I will put my name down and the reasons why!

‘First is the 56 games without losing which is a record. Two: invincible Arsenal team, 49 games without losing is another record. Three: first black player to score in a World Cup for England!

‘Four: first black captain to lift a cup at Wembley. Five: first black English speaking player to score in a Champions League final. Six: I played two decades and over 500 games in the premiership.’

Campbell, who has managed two clubs since retiring, also pointed out he has opposed racism in football both during and after his career.

He continued: ‘Seven: stood up for racism in football here and abroad! Eight: only English player to play in six consecutive tournaments for England.

‘Nine: got into the World Cup best team 1998 and 2002 and one European team 2004 so at one stage I was pound for pound the best defender in the world – how many English men can say that?’

Only four members of England’s Euro 2020-winning Lionesses squad were recognised in the recent New Year’s Honours list.

Former Olympic champion Denise Lewis was made a dame while ex-Arsenal, Tottenham and Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pat Jennings got a CBE along with Exeter Chiefs chairman Tony Rowe.

Liverpool and Scotland defender Andy Robertson became an MBE for the work his AR26 charity does to help young people in Scotland.

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