Our identity to carry on, says England coach after attacks
DORTMUND, Germany: England manager Ga reth Southgate said that there was no question Wednesday’s game against Germany would be cancel led af ter the London “terrorist” attack as it’s “part of our identity that we carry on in moments like this”.
Three members of the public and a policeman were killed and 40 injured in the attack outside the British parliament when a man drove into pedestrians, then stabbed a police officer before being shot dead.
“Obviously our first thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives or been injured,” Southgate told English broadcaster ITV from Dortmund where the friendly international took place.
“It puts football into perspective. We are conscious that part of our identity as a nation is that we carry on in moments like this.”
British police said they were treating the London attack “as a terrorist incident”.
After the game, which England lost 1- 0, Southgate admitted that there was some discussion over staging an act of tribute to those who died before the kick- off.
However, players and fans will get the opportunity to pay their respects when the national team play a World Cup qualifier in London on Sunday.
“I don’t know all the details of the attack because the story was breaking as we travelling and preparing for the game, there was some discussion about doing something tonight, but we felt it was more appropriate to do something back home for our home game,” said the 46-year- old Southgate.
“We carry on in moments like this, we don’t allow people to put us off what we want to do on a daily basis and we go about our working lives.
“London in particular has suffered like that before.
“We wanted to put on a performance with passion and desire that ref lected that, we haven’t got the win we would have liked, but people can see the commitment of the players.”
The Football Association’s chairman Greg Clarke confirmed a full tribute would be paid to the victims before Sunday’s 2018 World Cup quali fier against Lithuania at London’s Wembley. — AFP