England Manager, Gareth Southgate weighs in on the FA’s decision to not light up the Wembley Arch in support of Israel

Gareth Southgate set to leave job as England manager after Euros 2024.

England Manager, Gareth Southgate weighs in on the FA’s decision to not light up the Wembley Arch in support of Israel

Gareth Southgate. (Source: via PA Wire)

England Manager, Gareth Southgate claims the decision made by the FA to opt against lighting up the Wembley arch in the colours of Israel, is an attempt to do the right thing.  In a recently held press conference, England gaffer weighed in on the FA’s decision to not light up the Wembley Arch in support of Israel.

A stark contrast to the UK Government which has illuminated its buildings since the weekend to show support for the Middle Eastern nation. “In my lifetime the Middle East has been the most complex and difficult situation to fully understand. So, it is difficult to do the subject justice in 10 minutes, frankly,” Southgate expressed, lastly adding, “The FA will have tried to do the right thing.”

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A public statement released by the FA earlier in the week communicated, “England and Australia players will wear black armbands during their match at Wembley Stadium and there will also be a period of silence held before kick-off.” The statement further explained, after consulting with external shareholders and partners, “We will only permit flags, replica kits, and other representations of nationality.” 

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Since the release of the statement, many condemned the nation’s football governing body for their failure of not recognizing Israel’s occupation and attacks on Gaza. Subsequently, many football players have also come under the radar for the same as well. Fans have hit out on the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Thibaut Courtois for putting up posts and stories in support of Israel as well.

Related: “Crying man strikes again”-Arsenal superstar, Oleksandr Zinchenko faces public backlash for showing his support for Israel

Gareth Southgate under scrutiny for England squad selection  

With the England squad set to face Australia and Italy in the upcoming International Break, England Manager Gareth Southgate has been questioned about his squad selection yet again. England released their 27-man squad on the 5th of October with many familiar names making the list.

England's Harry Maguire, Kalvin Phillips, Gareth Southgate
(L-R) Harry Maguire, Kalvin Phillips, Gareth Southgate (Source: via England, Reuters, Sky Sports)

However, the inclusion of Manchester United and Manchester City players, Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips – along with the exclusion of an in-form Raheem Sterling – has caused many to question the manager’s selection process. 

Fans and pundits alike have claimed that Gareth Southgate constantly picking his favorites will be detrimental to the growth of the England national team. Back in September – the first International break of the new season – Micah Richards made his feelings clear about Southgate’s selections process stating, “Maguire’s in there because the manager likes him and his character around the group, then really it’s not about football.”   

As England’s first game of the international break takes place on the 13th of October, English fans will be curious to see how Gareth Southgate handles the bench and Starting XI and his willingness to start the ‘younger and inexperienced’ players. With Euros 2024 less than a year away and with the talent at his disposal, Gareth Southgate will look to end his England tenure by bringing the trophy home.

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