Mexico match dedicated to servicemen and women.
The Football Association today announced that they will partner the charity Tickets For Troops for England’s last home game ahead of the World Cup and dedicate the match to the brave men and women who have been serving our country in Iraq and Afghanistan.
England’s match against Mexico at Wembley Stadium on Monday 24 May has been named the ‘Tickets For Troops International’ with 1,000 tickets being donated to the charity to offer to servicemen and women and their loved ones.
Ahead of the kick-off, the England players will lead the crowd in applauding the soldiers, airmen and sailors both in the stadium and elsewhere as a mark of respect for their commitment and bravery.
Armed Forces personnel will travel to Wembley Stadium in full uniform including paratroopers, Royal Engineers and medics from the 16 Assault Brigade soon to be deployed on a six month operational tour of Afghanistan. Injured troops receiving treatment at the Headley Court rehabilitation centre, near Epsom, Surrey will also be joining the crowd.
John Terry, Chelsea captain and England defender said: “We want the Armed Forces to have the recognition and support they fully deserve. They are the people who are putting their lives on the line for us and are the true heroes.
“We know so many of them will be cheering us on in the World Cup wherever they are. We truly appreciate that and are privileged to be able to show our respect at our final home game before we head off to South Africa.”
Stuart Pearce, England’s Assistant Coach and Under-21 Head Coach said: “We should never forget the bravery and sacrifice our forces make and I hope this gesture by The FA and players will give the Wembley crowd the chance to show their respect. I know it will be a privilege for the England players to perform in front of so many brave men and women.”
Alan Shearer, Patron of the Tickets For Troops charity said: “It’s fantastic that The FA and England players have decided to support us in this way. Tickets For Troops is a simple way to give something back and recognise what a great job our troops do around the world on our behalf."