The Three Lions bring 2020, and their UEFA Nations League group stage, to a close this month starting with an international against Republic of Ireland on Thursday 12 November.
Attentions then turn to the UEFA Nations League when England travel to Leuven on Sunday 15 November for the return fixture against Belgium after last month's win at Wembley. The month rounds off with the visit of Iceland on Wednesday 18 November, where England hope to finish strongly as Group A2 remains wide open.
Our first match, against Republic of Ireland, could not take place without the mention of England legend Jack Charlton OBE, another member of that famous ‘66 squad who passed away earlier this year. Jack of course also managed Republic of Ireland for 10 years and is considered a legend in both camps.
You will be aware that Nobby Stiles MBE also recently passed away, on Friday 30 October, at the age of 78. Nobby was a vital member of England’s World Cup winning team from ‘66, playing every minute of the campaign on home soil.
To recognise both Jack and Nobby, we have been working closely with supporter groups to create banners that commemorate the pair. For both of our Wembley fixtures, these banners will sit proudly on display in the stands of the famous ground where they made history.
Sadly, this week we also learned of the passing of former England goalkeeper Tony Waiters who earned five caps for his country in 1964. Tony passed away aged 83.
We will be paying our respects to all three before the game.
A Moment to Reflect and Remember
The Three Lions also took a moment to reflect and remember before training yesterday with 2 minutes silence at 11am to mark Armistice Day. As images of the Cenotaph were beamed all over the globe from a deserted Whitehall, myriad thoughts of the fallen from conflicts all over that very same world included those individuals who represented their country not only on the battlefield but on the football field, too. Click here for a detailed account of the England Internationals who sadly died at war.
England Flags and Banners
England fans are famous for their flags and we have continued our work with England supporters’ group ‘Block 109’, and others, to try and bring your support of the Three Lions as close to the team as possible both at Wembley Stadium and away.
For our Wembley fixtures a selection of supporters flags and banners will be present in the Home End. For our away fixture against Belgium not only will there will be a large, 40-meter, banner that reads ‘our pride, our passion, since 1872’ but there will also be a small selection of supporters’ flags on display in the away section.
We have worked hard with our Belgian counterparts, who have gone above and beyond to accommodate our request, in order to arrange this. We realise how important this show of unity and support is and what is means to both our team and supporters.
At the very least, England fans will have a presence inside the grounds during a very important month for Southgate and the team, giving them some added backing from all of you back home.
