Queen writes letter to Gareth Southgate praising England team’s ‘spirit and pride’

The Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, also wished the team success and commended the players for being “role models”.

The Queen’s praise for the team’s conduct will serve as a ringing endorsement of Mr Southgate’s managerial style. He has encouraged players to do “positive things” which could “help to change or influence society”.

It culminated last week with the team pledging to make a “significant” donation to the NHS from their prize money if they win.

Despite some criticism, his team has taken the knee before Euro matches in a show of opposition to racism.

Mr Southgate used his final press conference to urge fans to be “respectful of the opposition”, warning how booing during the Italian national anthem could backfire by actually “motivating” Italian players.

He also said that it was “fantastic” to get letters from the Queen and Mr Johnson “and that recognition that [we have] all gone about this in the right way. [There have] been opportunities to make history every time we’ve played, it seems.”

Southgate added: “We’re in a final and we’re here to win… Everything is important, how we have represented people, and we are pleased that legacy has been there, but now we want to go and bring the trophy home for everybody.”

The wife of England captain, Harry Kane, has also written to her husband saying she cries when she considers how “proud you’re making us all and what you’re doing for the country.”

Kate Kane, 28, published a letter which reveals she “used to laugh” when he boasted as a youngster that one day he would become England captain. GMnewshub