Gareth Southgate has called for England to put aside its flag debate and unite as a nation, saying that there's more that bonds people together than drives them apart. The former Three Lions manager, who led the team to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the 2020 European Championship final, believes that concerns over the country coming "less united" are being blown out of proportion.
The debate over flying the St George's flag has been a contentious issue in England, with some arguing that it should be reserved for national team matches only. However, others have called for its use at all times, including during international tournaments and in domestic competitions.
Southgate thinks that this kind of debate is "divisive" and is distracting from the real issues facing English football and society as a whole. He believes that fans should focus on supporting their teams and country with passion and pride, rather than getting bogged down in arguments over flags.
"The flag is just a symbol, it's not what really matters," Southgate said. "There are more things that unite us than drive us apart. We need to be focused on the positive aspects of our game, our communities, and ourselves."
For Southgate, unity should start with unity among fans. He believes that supporters should be working together to promote a culture of respect and sportsmanship in English football, rather than getting caught up in petty squabbles over flags.
"We need to bring our fans together, not drive them apart," he said. "We have some of the most passionate and dedicated fans in the world, but sometimes that passion can boil over into negativity. We need to find a way to channel that energy positively."
Southgate's comments come as England prepares for its next international match, where it will be facing off against a rival nation with its own set of flag-related tensions. The former manager's call for unity and focus on the bigger picture is an attempt to put the debate over flags back in perspective.
"We're not just fighting for our country, we're fighting for ourselves," Southgate said. "We need to be proud of who we are, but also respectful of others. That's what being a fan is all about."
The debate over flying the St George's flag has been a contentious issue in England, with some arguing that it should be reserved for national team matches only. However, others have called for its use at all times, including during international tournaments and in domestic competitions.
Southgate thinks that this kind of debate is "divisive" and is distracting from the real issues facing English football and society as a whole. He believes that fans should focus on supporting their teams and country with passion and pride, rather than getting bogged down in arguments over flags.
"The flag is just a symbol, it's not what really matters," Southgate said. "There are more things that unite us than drive us apart. We need to be focused on the positive aspects of our game, our communities, and ourselves."
For Southgate, unity should start with unity among fans. He believes that supporters should be working together to promote a culture of respect and sportsmanship in English football, rather than getting caught up in petty squabbles over flags.
"We need to bring our fans together, not drive them apart," he said. "We have some of the most passionate and dedicated fans in the world, but sometimes that passion can boil over into negativity. We need to find a way to channel that energy positively."
Southgate's comments come as England prepares for its next international match, where it will be facing off against a rival nation with its own set of flag-related tensions. The former manager's call for unity and focus on the bigger picture is an attempt to put the debate over flags back in perspective.
"We're not just fighting for our country, we're fighting for ourselves," Southgate said. "We need to be proud of who we are, but also respectful of others. That's what being a fan is all about."
seriously tho i get where he's comin from we should be focusin on the team and the game not gettin bogged down in petty squabbles but at the same time theres somethin weird about flyin the flag everywhere even if its just for fun 
like southgate says the flag is jst a symbol but what if its more than that tho? idk maybe ill just stick with watchin the match and cheering 3 lions on 
He's right though, let's focus on unity & positivity in English football, not getting caught up in petty flag debates 
#FlagGateIsOverrated. I mean, we have so many awesome teams in England, from Man City to Liverpool, and they all deserve our support 
#ThreeLionsUnite. Fans coming together is key, let's put aside our differences & celebrate what makes us proud, like our beautiful game 
#FootballIsLife. It's not about the flag, it's about the fans' passion & dedication, so let's channel that energy positively! 
#BeTheChange
! the flag debate has gotten so old and it's just causing unnecessary drama between fans 
. instead of focusing on our differences, let's focus on supporting each other and having fun watching footy with our mates 
๏ธ. i mean, at the end of the day, it's just a piece of fabric right? 
. Like, I get it, Gareth says the flag is just a symbol and we should focus on the bigger picture... but honestly, can't we just have our flags and be proud of who we are? 
๏ธ It's not like it's gonna hurt anyone to fly the St George's flag or not. And can we please just calm down already? 
It's football, for crying out loud! We're supposed to be supporting each other, not fighting over tiny things that don't even matter in the grand scheme of things 
. I'm all for unity and respect, but let's not lose sight of what really matters: the beautiful game itself 
. I mean, it's not about winning or losing, but about being part of this amazing community that comes together to cheer on our teams 
!
with his comments on the England flag debate. As someone who loves watching English football (
Not to argue over flags!
It's not about the flag itself, but about what it represents - passion, pride, and community 
. Maybe Gareth's right, though... maybe we do need to focus on being respectful of each other and not getting too caught up in negativity 
.
but at the same time i feel like this debate is gonna keep on going 4eva because ppl are super passionate about it 
and it's not gonna make or break your love for England. What matters is that we're all united behind our team, supporting each other through thick and thin 
. Let's keep the focus on what really matters - like how awesome our national teams are 
!
And Southgate's like "let's focus on the positive" but what about those who are actually hurt by these flag-related arguments? I feel like he's not getting the bigger picture here 
. And honestly, can't we all just agree to disagree and move on? 
. And can we please just be respectful of others' opinions too? It's all about having a positive energy vibe around the game 
.
. It's easy to get worked up over it, but at the end of the day, it's just a piece of cloth. Let's focus on being good sports, supporting each other, and having fun for the sake of the game 
Let's focus on unity, respect, and sportsmanship - that's what being a fan is all about!