England are now more determined to take the knee at the Euros, says coach Gareth Southgate

England are now more determined to take the knee at the Euros, says coach Gareth Southgate

England are now more determined to take the knee at the Euros, says coach Gareth Southgate

England coach Gareth Southgate has stated that his team are now more determined to take the knee before every match ahead of Euro 2020, after the incidence of being booed at the Riverside Stadium before the warmup match against Austria.

The English and Austrian players took the knee prior to kick-off at the Riverside Stadium, but were received with boos and jeers from large sections of the crowd at Middlesbrough. The English players seemed largely displeased at the crowd’s act, with few of them venting their feelings post-match.

England players now more determined to take the knee after being booed at in the previous match

Both teams took a knee before kicking off at the Riverside stadium in Middlesbrough
England and Austria took the knee before kicking off at the Riverside stadium in Middlesbrough

England manager Gareth Southgate had taken to the press after the win against Austria to express his views and now has confirmed that his players will keep taking the knee despite the crowds’ decision to boo and jeer them.

Southgate and his players had condemned the section of fans who booed and jeered at them while taking the knee before the kickoff against Austria, with Jack Grealish also admitting that the England players ‘did not like’ the boos and whistles.

“We feel more determined than ever to take the knee. We accept there might be an adverse reaction and we’re just going to ignore that and move forward.” Gareth Southgate said, reflecting on the significance of taking the knee and that they would continue doing it.

“We accept that there could be elements of the crowd that boo. We’re prepared to go through that. That’s the stance we are going to take going into the tournament. Those people should put themselves in the shoes of the young players. How would they feel if their kids were in that situation?” added Southgate.

Southgate also confirmed in the press conference that Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has recovered from his injury and will be available to play in England’s final warm-up friendly against Romania on Sunday.

Jordan Henderson has recovered from his injury and will be available to play in England’s final warm-up friendly against Romania
Jordan Henderson has recovered from his injury and will be available to play in England’s final warm-up friendly against Romania

“The plan, as it was on Wednesday, is that he’ll be involved in the game.

“The last few days of training have been positive for him.” said Southgate regarding Henderson’s fitness and his availability for the upcoming game.

 “With any injury, it’s impossible to predict 100 percent. The medical team is pleased with his progress, especially the last couple of days. We know there’s always that risk but all the guide is that he should be available.” Southgate also gave an important update on defender Harry Maguire’s injury status, who is also a crucial figure for the England team.

England will play their final warm-up game against Romania on Sunday, and kick off their Euro 2020 campaign against Croatia on Sunday June 13.

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