Alastair Cook knighted, Gareth Southgate, Geraint Thomas named in New Year's Honours List

Former England captain Cook, 34, who retired from international cricket this year, was his country's most-capped test player and record test run scorer.

Thomas and Southgate both receive an OBE for services to cycling and football.

Welsh cyclist Thomas, 32, has won three world championships and two Olympic gold medals along with this year's Tour de France, while the honour for Southgate follows England's World Cup run in Russia which the team finished fourth, their best result since victory in 1966.

"This is an amazing honour," he said. "2018 will always be a year I remember for everything I achieved around both the Dauphine and especially the Tour.

Meanwhile, England striker Harry Kane picks up an MBE after winning the Golden Boot at this summer's tournament.

Rugby's Bill Beaumont is also knighted for his services to the sport as a player and as an administrator.

Departing Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore receives a CBE; Arsenal's former vice-chairman David Dein is honoured with a MBE for his services to sport and the community.

86-year-old Harry Gregg, the former Manchester United goalkeeper and Munich air disaster survivor, receives an OBE, as does jump jockey Richard Johnson, and rugby player Doddie Weir, who retired from the sport after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease - a cause for which he is now working to raise awareness.

There is also a CBE for netball Commonwealth gold medallist Geva Mentor, plus MBEs for rower Frances Houghton, cricketing legend Enid Bakewell, footballer Gareth McAuley, former footballer Leroy Rosenior, now vice-president of Show Racism the Red Card, former world darts champion John Lowe, triathlete Helen Jenkins and netball's Karen Brown.