Matchwinner Marcus Rashford said England’s players will continue to take the knee despite some supporters again booing the players before the match against Romania.
The Three Lions were in action in Middlesbrough for the second time in a week as they ramped up their preparations for Euro 2020, and just as against Austria on Wednesday, some supporters booed the anti-racism gesture before the match.
As before every Premier League game in the past season, the players took the knee in protest against anti-discrimination in all its forms, but they have been met with criticism from some Tory politicians and fans.
Rashford scored England’s only goal of the game from the penalty spot, and when asked about the booing after the match said: “It’s something that we can’t control, and for us we believe its the right thing to do so we’re going to continue to do it.”
(Image: PA)
Some supporters also applauded the England players, and manager Gareth Southgate insists that the players will still keep on taking a knee before every game at Euro 2020.
Speaking on Saturday prior to the match Southgate said: “We feel more than ever that we are determined to take the knee throughout this tournament.
“We accept that there might be an adverse reaction but we’re going to ignore that and move forward.
“I think those people should put themselves in the shoes of those young players and how they must feel.
“If that was their children – if they’re old enough to have children – how would they feel about their kids being in that situation?
(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
“The most important thing for our players is for them to know we are totally united on it.
“The players have had enough really – and as far as I’m concerned they’re not going to take more questions on this through the tournament. If it happens, it happens.
“Their voices have been made loud and clear. They know the power of their voices. They know that they can make a difference.
“The fact that we are going to keep going is impactful.”
BBC Sport pundit Gary Lineker also tweeted his support for England’s players.
He wrote: “If you boo England players for taking the knee, you’re part of the reason why players are taking the knee.”
