England striker Harry Kane has explained that he will wear a rainbow captain’s armband as a display of unity with Germany in supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Germany captain and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been wearing a rainbow armband throughout this month – to honour Pride Month – including his country’s pre-Euros friendlies and their group matches.
The decision was made at the end of last week for Kane to join Neuer in a show of support and for the Germany players to take a knee before kick-off of their Euro 2020 last-16 match this evening with their English counterparts.
The Football Association has maintained close links with the DFB – the German equivalent – regarding off-field matters after signing a memorandum of understanding five years ago, and officials from both bodies agreed on the collaboration.
Kane was given the final call and agreed without hesitation, while England manager Gareth Southgate gave it his full support. Kane said: “Neuer and Germany have been big on promoting that. From our point of view, it is a show of solidarity with the German national team from all of us at the England national team to be united in trying to kick out all inequalities there are.
“We’re on a huge platform on a big stage so it is obviously a great opportunity to do so.”
The FA said the decision was made “to mark the end of Pride Month, as the Three Lions stand in allyship with LGBTQ+ communities around the world”.
Uefa’s response to those wishing to show off the rainbow colours during the tournament has cast a spotlight on football’s support for the LGBT+ community. The European governing body opened an investigation into Neuer wearing the armband, although later dropped it stating that “the armband has been assessed as a team symbol for diversity and thus for a ‘good cause’”.
There was also outrage when Uefa denied the mayor of Munich’s request to illuminate the Allianz Arena in the colours of the rainbow when Hungary – a country which recently banned TV shows and educational materials from featuring gay people – visited for a game. Uefa claimed it “contravened its regulations as a political and neutral organisation”.
Southgate, meanwhile, has revealed that the FA has used Germany as a blueprint for success after conducting extensive research following England’s humiliating exit in the group stage of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
“We did a big study on Germany and their development programme, their youth programme, they’ve got an incredible football history,” Southgate said.
“Even when they have had teams from the outside that people have said are going to struggle. They’ve got that mentality, which is one of the big things we’ve got to be ready for.”
Southgate has told his players not to fear making errors. “We have stressed to the players that mistakes happen in a game of football,” he said.
More from i on Euro 2020
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- The football nomad who became a hero for his role in saving Eriksen’s life
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- How to watch every Euro 2020 match on TV and online in the UK
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3w45cWs
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