At a news conference on Saturday evening, England manager Southgate said: “It has been fantastic to have the letter from the Queen and the prime minister to all of the team – and the recognition the players have gone about this in the right way. “But we’re in a final and we’re here to win. Now we want to go and bring the trophy home.”
And in a letter to the squad, the prime minister said they had “lifted the spirits of the whole country”. The Duke of Cambridge said he “can’t really believe this is happening”. Prince William, who is president of the English Football Association, urged the squad to “bring it home” and said the team had already displayed “the very best of England”.
The Queen’s message
“Fifty-five years ago, I was fortunate to present the World Cup to Bobby Moore and saw what it meant to the players, management and support staff to reach and win the final of a major international football tournament.
“I want to send my congratulations and that of my family to you all on reaching the final of the European Championships and send my good wishes for tomorrow with the hope that history will record not only your success but also the spirit, commitment and pride with which you have conducted yourselves.”
The Prime Minister, Mr Boris Johnson told the team they had “already made history” by taking England into the final of a major international competition for the first time in 55 years. “You have forged a band of brothers whose energy and tenacity and teamwork – and sheer flair – seem to shine in everything you do,” he said. “You have lifted the spirits of the whole country, and tomorrow we know you can lift that trophy too.
“We are not just hoping or praying. We believe in you, Gareth, and your incredible squad. “On behalf of the entire nation, good luck, have a great game – and bring it home!” Captain Harry Kane said: “To see the fans on the street and see the reception we have had, it has just shown us how big of an occasion it is. “We know how much it means to the English fans so we are proud to be representing them and hopefully we can do them proud.”
