Gareth Southgate has said he wants to lead England to victory against Spain in the Euro 2024 final “so much it hurts”.
The men’s team are through to just a third ever major final – just three years after losing out on being crowned kings of the continent after defeat to Italy in a penalty shootout.
Few know the highs and lows that come with representing England better than Southgate, who saw his penalty saved in the Euro 96 semi-final shootout loss to Germany.
“As a player and an athlete, you view those failures in a different sort of way,” he said.
Read more: Southgate says Euro 2024 result will not dictate his future Why Ollie Watkins was destined for greatness How stars celebrated England’s dramatic win England fans face Euro final price hikes England’s dramatic win in pictures
“As a coach, manager, leader, you recognise what you’re doing well,” he added.
“Had we gone out in the first knockout round here, I know I’ve managed this period better than I did in Russia (at the 2018 World Cup), but that wouldn’t be how it was viewed and it would sound like nonsense to the man in the street.
“I completely understand that, but I know the job now and I’m really clear on being my own biggest critic, reviewing everything clearly.
“I want to win so much on Sunday it hurts, don’t get me wrong, but I can handle whatever comes and I know it’s not going to change what the dog thinks when I walk back through the door.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
6:12
Southgate: ‘We came to make history’
Southgate is now hoping to “bring some temporary happiness” to what has been an “angry country” by making history on Sunday.
Such rage was clear on social media and also in the stands during the early stages of these Euros, with boos greeting the end of the group draws against Denmark and Slovenia.
He also had beer cups aimed at him after the latter stalemate in Cologne, but he was unflinching in the face of negativity.
“There was a danger (things unravelled) but I was determined to confront it,” he said.
Spreaker
This content is provided by Spreaker, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Spreaker cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Spreaker cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Spreaker cookies for this session only.
Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once
👉 Click to subscribe to the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts 👈
“When the beer came over I was going to go and walk towards it because we fought too hard to change the environment for the players.
“We’ve got players here who are in their first tournament. They’ve actually come into it.
“We’ve got players who have learnt how to win with us and have been with us all the way through.”
“We’ve got some who’ve got no fear anyway. But if we’d suddenly had this environment where it’s ‘I’m not so sure I did enjoy that’ that would have undone the progress we’ve made,” he added
“So, I felt it important to fight for that in that moment. I was the only who was going to be able to do that really.
“And I have no problem if I’m the lightning conductor – to take that for the players. Because in the end that’s the job. The job is to allow them to perform at their best.”
This is England’s Euros lifeline – a quarter-final clash that looked so unlikely deep into injury time last weekend.
Fresh from the great escape against Slovakia, Gareth Southgate heads into his 100th match in charge of England playing down the milestone publicly while focused on trying to get past Switzerland tonight.
But captain Harry Kane is full of praise for the manager who has enabled him to reach the last eight at four consecutive tournaments.
“It just shows his standards and the consistency that he’s shown along with the coaching staff as well,” said Kane, who scored the extra-time winner against Slovakia in the last 16.
“He’s changed a lot in terms of our national team in his tenure since he’s been here.
“Not just on the pitch and off the pitch as well, and the connections we’ve had with the fans and the media, and he’s allowed people to open up and be themselves.
“That’s been a big turning point in our careers as England players. So, I’m really happy for him and he should be extremely proud, but all he’s worrying about is making sure we win.”
Image: Kane said Southgate has changed a lot. Pic: Reuters
The Prince of Wales has been confirmed as one of those who will attend the game, hopeful to see the team bag a place in the semi-finals.
The royal’s continued support for the team comes after he travelled to Frankfurt for England’s second game of the tournament, which ended in a 1-1 draw against Denmark.
‘I’m expecting us to play well’
Lose and Southgate’s eight-year tenure is set to end, having been unable to end the Three Lions’ 58-year wait for another trophy.
But win in Dusseldorf and it would be a third semi-final in his reign.
Available for selection is Jude Bellingham, the hero of the 95th-minute comeback against Slovakia after avoiding a UEFA ban for his crude celebration.
Image: Kane and Bellingham celebrate a goal against Slovakia. Pic: Reuters
And now fit to play is left-back Luke Shaw, who came to Germany despite being out injured since February.
But Southgate is being tipped to deploy Bukayo Saka, rather than Shaw and Kieran Trippier as wing backs.
That is part of a tactical change reported as Southgate looks to shake-up the side after underwhelming performances in the four matches so far in Germany – while remaining unbeaten.
“There’s been a lot of expectation on the team in the early part of the tournament especially,” Southgate said.
“So I feel that the team, even in training, now look in a different place mentally. They look more fluid and I’m expecting us to play well.”
Image: Bellingham’s 95th-minute overhead kick averted a humiliating exit from the tournament. Pic PA
One change is required with centre back Marc Guehi suspended for picking up two bookings.
It has been suggested that for the first time since the Euros final defeat to Italy in 2021, a back three could be used with John Stones, Kyle Walker and Ezri Konsa floated as the trio.
Southgate bristles at suggestions England have ended up on the kinder side of the draw with this clash against Switzerland.
Read more from Sky News: World leaders react to Starmer’s election win UK-ticket holder wins £33m EuroMillions jackpot
Follow Sky News on WhatsApp
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
Tap here
The winner faces the Netherlands or Turkey in the semifinals while Spain will take on France in the other last-four meeting.
“I would say that’s a classic example of the sort of entitlement we have as a nation that creates drama and annoys our opponents,” said Southgate, who played 57 times for England.
The Swiss were held 1-1 by Scotland in the group stage but knocked out holders Italy last weekend.
“We’re playing a really strong football nation who have played exceptionally well, well prepared, have enormous pride,” Southgate said.
“Our focus is on how do we win this game and how do we play to the best of our ability?”
How did we go from fans adopting Gareth Southgate’s waistcoats to plastic beer cups being hurled towards him?
From singing “Southgate you’re the one” to being turned off by him?
The relationship between the England faithful and their manager has become strained to the point of fracturing during these Euros.
“We’ve had different problems to solve as a team over the last few weeks,” Southgate said.
“And I’m the leader trying to connect all of that and keep the juggernaut that is the England football team on the right path.”
But it will be the end of the road for Southgate and England on Sunday night if England are knocked out of Euro 2024 by Slovakia.
A 99th game after eight transformative but ultimately, trophyless years in charge. So far.
Image: Pic: PA
‘Ultimate challenge’
“Every day I wake up and think what we need to do,” he said. “It’s the ultimate challenge.”
They made it here to the tournament – unlike Steve McClaren’s England in 2008 – and have not gone home at the group stage – as Roy Hodgson’s England did without winning a game at the 2014 World Cup.
Southgate made fans – and even many players – fall in love with the England team again.
It’s the manner of reaching the last 16 here, with just one win and two dreary draws, fuelling discontent.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
0:48
Southgate: ‘Irrelevant’ what fans think of me
There is certainly a lack of perspective. How often do England entertain in group stages? Even the 1966 World Cup win started with points dropped early on.
The reduced jeopardy in this 24-team Euros format gives a strong certainty of making the knockout phase where the tournament gets going.
Remember, Spain were the only team to qualify from their group with three wins.
The last two winners of the trophy – Portugal and Italy – both lost games. Even hosts Germany dropped points.
Italy, who beat England in the final three years out, were the first team sent packing in the last 16.
‘Desperate to do well’
Southgate has become increasingly exacerbated by strife in sessions with the media, while careful to avoid widening the schism with supporters.
The groans after the tepid 0-0 draw with Slovenia prompted Southgate to say: “I’ve not seen any other team qualify and receive similar.”
That is as close as we have seen to the 53-year-old snapping.
It can seem he would relish the chance to say – be careful what you wish for. Don’t you have short memories?
Image: The Three Lions will hope for a result on Sunday. Pic: Reuters
Dial back six years and Southgate was credited with re-energising the team and reconnecting them with the fans at the 2018 World Cup.
There were murmurs of frustration that England could not find a way past Croatia to reach the World Cup final. But at least they had made it to a first men’s semi-final since Euro ’96 and actually won a penalty shootout on the way in Russia.
This was the summer of Southgate, lifting the mood of the nation, as a unifying figure for a country riven by Brexit division.
“I’m just desperate to do well for my country,” said Southgate, remembering the pain and near-misses as a defender himself for England.
The modesty, humility and decency Southgate brought to the job made him the perfect antidote to the tumult.
Remember he was the accidental manager who never sought this status.
Bold calls
Think back to Euro 2016, the humiliating last-16 exit to Iceland and Roy Hodgson complaining after being forced to face the media in his last act as manager: “I don’t know why I’m here.”
This was the nadir for England.
Back then, Southgate was at the tournament as a UEFA technical observer.
But on Euro 2016 final day he held talks with the then-FA boss in a Paris hotel before rejecting the chance to step up from the U21s manager’s role, believing he lacked experience for the top job.
How many others would be as self-deprecating when presented with the opportunity of a lifetime?
Image: Captain Harry Kane has backed his manager. Pic: PA
The job did unexpectedly come up again quickly thanks to Sam Allardyce’s unguarded bar talk to undercover reporters – ending his reign at one match with a 100% record by beating Slovakia.
That brings England full circle to playing Slovakia again on Sunday night in Gelsenkirchen with a Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland up for grabs.
“We still sing about him,” 34-year-old fan Brad Day said in a Cologne bar. “We have had the best six years of English football I can remember.”
Luke Buxton, who has come from Barnsley to attend every England match in Germany, feels England have fallen short.
“I think he is underappreciated,” he said. “But I can see why people are upset because you have so much attacking talent, so much ability across the squad, you look at what the players are doing for their clubs and it’s fair enough to question why they are not replicating it at an international level.”
As a national team manager, Southgate has little time to tactically influence the players through the year.
The task is to blend the best talent available into a team and take the bold selection calls.
But despite their fatigue, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham seem undroppable given the potential for them to provide the scoring spark needed.
Image: England’s Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden. Pic: PA
‘Shouldn’t have fear of losing’
Can Southgate find solutions?
To some he’s not charismatic enough and too boring. The source of social media derision and mocking memes.
What were endearing characteristics when results were going their way – fans adopting the Southgate waistcoats at the 2018 World Cup – are now held against him for reflecting a style of football seen as too unambitious.
Just not daring enough. Not taking enough risks.
Being erudite is now seen as dull.
But he has tried to show this should not be the “Impossible Job”. It is one that predecessors have felt carries as much pressure as leading the country.
In a week that could see a change of prime ministers, Southgate will hope his reign will still be going all the way through the final in Berlin on 14 July.
Read more: Who else could England face in knockout rounds? How England fans feel about him ‘irrelevant’, Southgate says How politics accompanies the music of Glastonbury
Follow Sky News on WhatsApp
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
Tap here
“We shouldn’t have a fear of losing,” he said.
But for the manager whose love letter to fans was turned into the West End play Dear England, he is preparing to say Goodbye England.
Gareth Southgate has said it is “irrelevant” how England fans are feeling about him as his team prepare to face Slovakia on Sunday in the last 16 at Euro 2024.
England were booed after a 1-1 draw with Denmark in the group stages of the European Championship.
The pressure on Southgate has intensified after a goalless draw against Slovenia in their last group match.
Defender Ezri Konza said his family were hit by beer cups aimed at the manager after Tuesday’s game.
But the 53-year-old told reporters on Saturday the way fans felt about him was “irrelevant”.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
2:34
England booed after 1-1 draw
“It’s irrelevant [what fans think of me]. The most important thing is the support for the team and what I said the other night was to try to make sure that we get the sort of support that the team got in the stadium in the second half, simple as that,” he said.
“My job is to create the best possible environment for the players, to fight their cause at the right times, to take responsibility at the right times.
“The team need the fans so they should never underestimate what a lift it gives to the team when they are like they were in the second half against Slovenia and I’m certain, going into this knock-out phase, they’re going to be the same.”
Despite only securing one win, England progressed as the winners of Group C.
Captain Harry Kane told the conference “99% of the fans” were behind the team and manager.
“Of course, both as a player and as a coach, you’re going to have times when people voice their opinion and that’s part and parcel of playing for England,” he said.
Read more from Sky News: Police give update on Jay Slater as new search explores area again 13-year-old dies after being struck by lightning on Greek beach
“But I think, like the boss said there, the second half in that game especially was one of the best atmospheres I’ve been involved in and it shows how much the fans care about the team, care about us trying to win the game and that’s all that matters, you know.
“We’re a very strong group, not just players but staff as well. We know what it’s taken to achieve what we’ve achieved in the last six years or so, or longer, and we know it’s going to be a very tough journey from now until the end of this tournament, if we want to go all the way.”
Going into the knockout phase as unbeaten group winners – surely England would have taken that before the Euros?
Try telling the fans to be satisfied with the drab displays they’ve witnessed so far in Germany.
Just two goals – from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
Only one win – secured by Bellingham in the Group C opener against Serbia.
Two draws – the stalemate against Denmark followed by last night ending scoreless with Slovenia.
No wonder some supporters seemed to be spotted snoozing in Cologne. Many more were heard jeering at full time.
Some empty cups were even seen being thrown.
Image: Gareth Southgate after the final whistle against Slovenia. Pic: PA
And once Gareth Southgate and his players had departed the pitch in Cologne, the lingering discontent was digested inside the stadium.
“I understand it,” Southgate said. “I’m not going to back away from it.
“The most important thing here is that the supporters stay with the team.”
Who could England face in the knockout rounds?
‘Typical English performance’
They are loyal and committed.
You only had to see, and hear, the thousands of Three Lions fans packed in a central square in the shadow of Cologne Cathedral on Tuesday.
It’s why so many have spent hundreds of pounds (and counting) to follow the team over the last couple of weeks so far in Germany.
But they are not convinced by Southgate and question why he cannot get the players gelling as an effective, exciting attacking team.
Image: Pic: Reuters
“It was a typical English performance,” said William Day, a fan from Kent, leaving the stadium.
“We underperform with a team of individual, brilliant players, but we don’t play as a team. And we were very fortunate not to lose to Denmark.
“I think we were the better side tonight. But we were in a very easy group and we struggled and how we came top of it, I can’t imagine. I really can’t imagine.”
At least, Southgate’s substitutions did make an impact.
The team looked more effective once Kobbie Mainoo arrived in the second half with Southgate praising the Manchester United midfielder’s ability to move the ball up the pitch.
Image: Pic: PA
Is Mainoo the solution Southgate was searching for when initially dropping Trent Alexander-Arnold for Conor Gallagher before bringing on the 19-year-old?
There was praise too among fans for Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon finally being deployed in the second half.
“The game got better,” said Anna-Marie Harris, who has driven over to follow the Euros.
“I’m pleased he was prepared to play Gordon and a few of the extras. Not stick with the routine he had before. So hopefully fingers crossed.”
But there is not much hope of the road trip going all the way with the Euro 2020 runners-up to another final, in Berlin on 14 July.
“We’re top of the group,” she continued. “It will come home to roost if we play like that again, won’t it?”
Southgate hoping for perspective
The frustration with Southgate is clear, with the England faithful lacking belief he can get the most out of the talent available.
Back inside the stadium, long after the booing, the boss seemed perplexed to be addressing another night of angst among the travelling support.
“I understand the sort of narrative towards me and that’s better for the team than it being towards them,” Southgate said.
Image: England fans at Central Park, Newcastle, watching England’s final group game. Pic: PA
“But it is creating an unusual environment to operate in. I’ve not seen any other team qualify and receive similar.”
Just look at Group D.
The Netherlands, who could face England in the last-16 on Sunday, lost to Austria after only picking up four points from their opening games.
France, the World Cup runners-up in 2022, only managed a win and two draws.
And the hosts Germany did win their group but not with a 100% record and requiring a stoppage-time equaliser to draw with Switzerland.
Follow Sky News on WhatsApp
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
Tap here
Then there are the neighbours, Scotland. Euro 2024 was their 12th tournament without making it into the knockout phase. Just one point was collected from their three matches here.
So Southgate is hoping for some perspective, rather than dwelling on the two wins from their last eight matches perhaps.
“I’m very, very proud of the players,” he said, “and how they are operating within it.”
<a href='https://www.skysports.com/football/england-vs-slovenia/live/500410' target='_blank'>Build-up to England v Slovenia – Southgate holding news conference</a>
Joseph Fiennes is to play Gareth Southgate in a new play about the England men’s football manager’s “quiet reform” of the beautiful game – and the pressures of taking on the team with “the worst track record for penalties in the world”.
Dear England is written by acclaimed playwright and TV writer James Graham, and takes its name from an open letter to fans written by Southgate in 2021.
The story is inspired by the footballer’s journey from his infamous key penalty miss for England against Germany at Euro 96, to leading England to their first major final since the famous 1966 World Cup victory.
Fiennes, who is known for his roles in TV series including The Handmaid’s Tale and American Horror Story, and films including Shakespeare In Love and Enemy At The Gates, will take on the role when the show opens in June.
“It’s time to change the game,” begins the synopsis for the play, which will be staged at the National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre, in London. “The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t England’s men win at their own game?
“With the worst track record for penalties in the world, Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take team and country back to the promised land.”
Read more: The life and career of Gareth Southgate Could arts cuts and cost of living crisis affect your favourite shows? Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? How Quiz tells the story behind cheating scandal
Graham, whose plays include the Tony-nominated Ink, Privacy, Best Of Enemies and Quiz – about the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? coughing scandal, which he turned into a TV series in 2020 – said it was the “greatest thrill, if an intimidating responsibility” to tell the story on stage at the National.
“What Gareth Southgate has attempted in his quiet cultural reform of England football I find epic and deeply moving,” he said. “And I’m so grateful to be surrounded by some of British theatre’s most exciting creative talent to unite around this new show.”
Rufus Norris, director of the National Theatre, said: “Dear England is a captivating examination into the complex psychology of the much loved ‘beautiful game’.”
Fiennes is the brother of Harry Potter and James Bond actor Ralph Fiennes and also a distant relative of explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes.
Click to subscribe to Backstage wherever you get your podcasts
In 2021, Southgate penned Dear England to fans ahead of the Euro 2020 final (played in 2021 due to the pandemic) against Italy – which England went on to lose, once again, on penalties.
“I think about all the young kids who will be watching this summer, filling out their first wall charts,” he wrote at the end of the letter.
“No matter what happens, I just hope that their parents, teachers and club managers will turn to them and say, ‘Look. That’s the way to represent your country’. That’s what England is about. That is what’s possible. If we can do that, it will be a summer to be proud of.”
Tickets for Dear England go on sale to the public on 9 March 2023, with the play set to run from 10 June to 11 August.
Gareth Southgate will stay on as England manager and lead the Three Lions at the 2024 Euros, the FA has confirmed.
The 52-year-old had been mulling his future following England’s 2-1 quarter-final defeat to France at the World Cup.
Southgate had a contract until the 2024 European Championships, but admitted to feeling “conflicted” about staying on given what has often been a difficult 18 months.
But the former England defender will now remain in charge for a fourth major tournament.
In a statement on Sunday, the FA said: “We are delighted to confirm that Gareth Southgate is continuing as England manager, and will lead our Euro 2024 campaign.
“Gareth and [assistant manager] Steve Holland have always had our full support, and our planning for the Euros starts now.”
Southgate led England to the World Cup semi-finals in Russia in 2018 and the final of last summer’s European Championships, before reaching the last eight in Qatar.
In the build-up to this year’s tournament there had been criticism of Southgate following a run of poor results.
Two defeats against Hungary, two draws against Germany and a draw and a defeat to Italy led to serious questions being asked about his future.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
0:51
Heartbreak for fans as England lose
But even after a positive response to the team’s World Cup run, Southgate stressed he needed a period of reflection to decide on the best course of action.
“I think, whenever I finish these tournaments, I’ve needed time to make correct decisions,” he said immediately after their exit.
“Emotionally you go through so many different feelings.
“The energy it takes through these tournaments is enormous.
“I want to make the right decision, whatever that is, for the team, for England, for the FA.
“I’ve got to be sure whatever decision I make is the right one.”
Gareth Southgate finds himself in a position of strength within the FA, despite falling far short of the target of winning the World Cup.
After England’s quarter-final defeat to France, Southgate made clear publicly he could step away.
Effectively, the FA was given the option of saying it was time for change in the dugout after six years.
During the week of uncertainty, it became clear there was no obvious candidate to succeed him – someone who could take England deep into a tournament like the semi-finals at the 2018 World Cup and the last Euros final.
Southgate committing to seeing out his contract until 2024 is a relief for the FA, rather than the focus being on missed opportunities in Qatar.
The FA insisted Southgate has “always had our full support” and the hope will be he can end the trophy drought at Euro 2024.
First, they have to qualify.
Former England defender Gary Neville welcomed the news that Southgate was staying on.
“I think it’s the right decision,” he told Sky Sports News.
Read more: World Cup has ‘changed the perception of this part of the world’, says Qatar 2022 boss Lionel Messi in numbers: One win could cement his spot as the world’s greatest footballer
“When I saw early last week it was going to be discussed in the new year I didn’t think that would work, letting it hang for so long.
“The fact it has come out is welcome, it puts it to bed and allows everyone to focus on the next 18 months.
“It means a succession plan can be put in place.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
45:27
The story of the Qatar World Cup
Southgate has won 49 of his 81 games as England manager, with 18 draws and 14 defeats, while England have scored 174 goals and conceded 57.
Only two previous managers have reached a half-century in the win column – World Cup winner Sir Alf Ramsey with 69 and England’s longest-serving manager Sir Walter Winterbottom, on 78.
When the final whistle blew, boos boomed among the England fans at Al-Bayt Stadium.
They had enough.
A 0-0 draw against the Americans so turgid that the referee only added on four minutes – the lowest so far at this World Cup of 100-minute matches.
It seemed the 6-2 rout of Iran was just an anomaly on Monday.
This was the type of dire display England supporters have had to get used to in this year of six winless matches going into the World Cup and relegation in the Nations League.
Once again, Gareth Southgate is feeling the heat – despite leading England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, and Euro 2020 final. The frustrated fans made that clear with the jeering.
The Three Lions manager said: “People are going to react how they react, and I can’t let that affect how I feel about the team or how the team feels.”
‘We had to show another side’
Too defensive and too boring was the snap reaction of fans filtering out of the stadium.
Southgate accepted some concerns: “We lacked a little bit of zip and quality in the final third, and we weren’t able to open up, to create really good chances.
“But we had to show another side of ourselves.”
Read more: Which team is predicted to win the World Cup?
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
0:15
So close: Fans react to England’s best chance
‘There’ll be a lot of noise’
A dismal display he hopes, though, won’t be repeated against Wales on Tuesday in the Group B finale.
Wales have to win to reach the last 16. England can lose 4-0 and still go through.
Not that the fans will accept that after the turgid display against the USA.
Southgate said: “I’m sure there’ll be a lot of noise about the performance.
“But not many teams go through World Cups and get nine points in the group.”
Read more: The World Cup’s biggest ever upsets
Image: Captain Harry Kane had a disappointing night in front of goal
And still no England team can beat the Americans at a World Cup after failing at the third attempt.
The venue furthest north in Qatar is still only 45 minutes set from Doha.
England looked far more lethargic than their journey time suggested.
England will take the knee at the World Cup in Qatar, Gareth Southgate has confirmed.
It is “what we stand for as a team and have done for a long period of time”, he said.
The Three Lions did not make the anti-racism gesture during their games against Germany and Italy in September, but will be doing so when they play Iran in their opening Group B match tomorrow.
“We have discussed taking the knee,” Southgate said at a news conference in Doha. “We feel we should.”
Before the start of the season, Premier League captains decided to limit taking the knee to certain games, including Boxing Day and the FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals.
“Of course we understand in the Premier League that the clubs have decided to only do that for certain games, big occasions,” Southgate said.
“We feel this is the biggest and we think it’s a strong statement that will go around the world for young people, in particular, to see that inclusivity is very important.”
Speaking at an earlier news conference, Rob Page, the Wales boss, was asked whether FIFA had tried to stop his team wearing an armband in support of LGBTQ+ rights.
Page replied: “No, we’ve said that the one love armband is what we’ll wear and it’s no different for us.”
Harry Kane, the England captain, will also be wearing the armband in the match against Iran.
Image: Part of the opening ceremony at Al Bayt Stadium
Read more: Qatar World Cup code of conduct for fans: Vuvuzelas banned and shirts kept on FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s rambling tirade was first own goal of the World Cup
FIFA, football’s world governing body, has asked players to wear a different armband with the message #FootballUnitesTheWorld.
According to the laws of the game, found on the International Football Association Board’s website, “equipment” must not have any “political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images”.
During the opening ceremony this afternoon, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the emir of Qatar, said: “From Qatar, from the Arab world, I welcome everyone to the World Cup 2022.”
“How lovely it is that people can put aside what divides them to celebrate their diversity and what brings them together.”
After he spoke fireworks exploded from the roof of Al Bayt stadium, about 30 miles north of the capital, Doha.
In the opening match of the tournament, Qatar were beaten 2-0 by Ecuador.
