Sir Keir Starmer has issued a rallying cry ahead of the Euro 2024 final, telling the England team: “We’re all behind you.”
The prime minister, who will be in the Olympic Stadium in Berlin on Sunday to cheer on the Three Lions against Spain, told the players they have already “made the country proud”.
They are hoping their second successive Euros final will put to rest the heartbreak of losing to Italy on penalties three years ago.
It is just the third-ever major final for the men’s team – and their first ever on foreign soil – with the match giving Gareth Southgate‘s men another chance to join Sir Alf Ramsey’s 1966 World Cup heroes in football immortality.
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In a letter from 10 Downing Street to “Gareth and all the England team”, who faced sharp criticism for their early performances in the tournament, he wished them “the very best”.
“On behalf of the whole nation, I wanted to wish you all the very best ahead of today’s final,” he wrote.
“You should all be proud of what you’ve achieved so far, and I hope you can take some strength from the millions at home kicking every ball alongside you.
“You don’t need a running commentary from a politician on what you should or shouldn’t do.
“You’re here not because of luck, but because of your graft and hard work. You’ve earned it. As you did three years ago, you’ve made the country proud.
“Whatever happens, you should know that you have united the country, and we are all behind you.
“So enjoy tonight. I know that up and down the country, we all will.”
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Sir Keir had previously suggested there could be some form of celebration if England win the tournament, but wouldn’t commit to an extra bank holiday, saying he did not want to “jinx anything”.
In a final press conference ahead of the game, Southgate said England must “get everything right” in order to beat Spain, while captain Harry Kane said winning would “mean everything”.
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Conservative leader Rishi Sunak issued his own statement, in which he said the team “have brought us joy, drama and inspiration – and perhaps one too many nerve-wracking moments”.
“But they’ve kept their focus and have set an incredible example to millions of us in how they’ve conducted themselves both on and off the field,” he said.
“Their progress so far is a huge achievement and we are all united in wanting Gareth and the team to triumph.
“So I send my very best to the whole team – we are right behind you tonight and, whatever the result, I know you’ll do us all proud. Bring it home.”
Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey added: “You’ve already done so much to make our whole nation proud and we can’t wait to gather together to cheer you on one last time. Good luck!”
England have also received royal support, with the Prince of Wales, who is president of the Football Association (FA), also travelling to Berlin to watch the final.
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He watched England’s quarter-final victory over Switzerland and the group stage game against Denmark, where he was seen cheering in the stands.
A post on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ X account, said: “We are so proud of you all.
“Just one last push to finish the job! Go out there and show the world what you’re made of. We believe. W.”
Following the 2-1 semi-final win over the Netherlands on Wednesday, the King offered his family’s “very best wishes” and “warmest congratulations”.
“If I may encourage you to secure victory before the need for any last minute wonder goals or another penalties drama, I am sure the stresses on the nation’s collective heart rate and blood pressure would be greatly alleviated! Good luck, England,” he said in a message.
