LONDON – England boss Gareth Southgate has urged fans to "look
out for each other" in an open letter on Friday as Britain continues
to battle with the coronavirus pandemic.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has closed all schools and cancelled
forthcoming exams for students with many businesses also closing in a
struggling economy.
In football terms, England should have been preparing to face Italy
and Denmark in now postponed friendlies at the end of month and this
summer's Euro 2020 has been delayed by 12 months to 2021.
"For everyone in our country, the primary focus of the present - and
the coming months - is undoubtedly to look after our families,"
Southgate writes.
"In the way you've all come together to support our team, we must now
work together to combat a virus that is causing physical and
emotional issues to so many."
"Look out for each other," Southgate added.
"Please don't suffer alone, and remember that our great country has
come through these enormous challenges before - and, together, we
will do so again."
Southgate's letter continued to praise hospital staff and medical
workers as "heroes."
"They won't receive the individual acclaim," he wrote. "But we all
know their importance is beyond anything we do on the pitch."
In summary, Southgate said this summer's postponed Euros should be
forgotten but added that every member of his squad will have their
chance next year.
"We shouldn't spend another moment thinking about the postponement of
the competition," Southgate said.
"I feel sure that, when that moment comes, I will never have been
prouder to be the leader."