Southgate urges true England fans to make poignant tribute

ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate has urged today’s Wembley crowd to create an atmosphere that is respectful of the tributes which will be paid in the wake of last week’s London terror attack.

A wreath will be laid before the match in memory of the four victims and a minute’s silence held. Black armbands will also be worn in memory of Graham Taylor, whose wife Rita and daughters Joanne and Karen will be there.

London mayor Sadiq Khan is also expected to attend.

Southgate said: ‘We know how important the national football team is for the feeling of the nation and it’s a great opportunity for everybody to pay their respects and to show we go on. Not just London, but the nation. The tribute before the France game last year [after the Paris attack] was poignant. This will be the same.

‘Unfortunately we have a few who were chanting things the other night that were unacceptable. But we prefer to focus on those who support us well.’