Gareth Southgate says ‘my boys brought the country together’

He was speaking to the media after England’s heartbreaking loss to Italy.

Gareth Southgate has spoken of his pride in his England side, saying that the team “brought the country together.”

The England manager also condemned the racist abuse that some of his players received after the penalty shoot out defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, describing it as “unforgivable.”

At a press conference in Monday, Southgate said his team had been a “beacon of light” throughout the tournament. He added: “We heal together as a team now. We’re here for them and I know 99 percent of the public will be as well.”

England’s defeat came after a devastating penalty shootout defeat, in which Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka all missed their penalties. The trio have been subjected to racist abuse in the aftermath of their misses, with the Metropolitan Police has said it will be investigating.

"For some of them to be abused is unforgivable."

England Manager Gareth Southgate has condemned the racist abuse Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka have received after the team was defeated by Italy in the Euro 2020 final, adding: "It's just not what we stand for." pic.twitter.com/AyPvnldgjk

— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) July 12, 2021

Along with Southgate, Boris Johnson and Prince William have also condemned the abuse the three players received.

The Prime Minister described the abuse as “appalling,” with the Duke of Cambridge saying that it is “totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour.”

Speaking at the press conference the day after the defeat, Southgate said: “The players have had an incredible togetherness and brought so many parts of the country together. We should be proud. For some to be abused is unforgivable. It is not what we stand for. We’ve been a beacon of light bringing people together.