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Gareth Southgate warns of division as England flag displays spark debate
Former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate has expressed concern over national unity, citing rising tensions around the display of St George's and Union Jack flags across England in recent months. While some view the flags as symbols of patriotism, others perceive them as intimidating, sparking a broader debate about identity and cohesion.
Southgate, who stepped down as England manager following the team's Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, shared his perspective during an interview on BBC Breakfast on Monday. Host Jon Kay asked for his thoughts on the flag controversy, framing it as a question of patriotism versus division. Southgate responded by emphasizing the need for unity, drawing on his experience leading the national team.
"I worry about unity. I've seen what we did with the team to unify every community. I do think there's more that bonds us all than separates us. We should try and focus more on what brings us together than what separates us."
Sir Gareth Southgate, speaking to BBC Breakfast
Flag displays divide opinion as far-right groups exploit symbolism
The surge in flag displays has coincided with heightened political tensions. Earlier this month, Gary Neville, former England defender and co-owner of Salford City FC, criticized what he described as the "negative" use of the St George's flag. Neville ordered the removal of a flag from a construction site linked to his investments, prompting backlash.
A League Two match between Salford City and Oldham Athletic was later disrupted when two pitch invaders, allegedly affiliated with the far-right group Britain First, attempted to place a St George's flag at the center of the field. Britain First claimed responsibility, stating they had "teamed up with local Salford patriots" to protest Neville's actions, which they labeled "treachery."
Southgate acknowledged that economic hardship and social disaffection often fuel division but pointed to moments of collective resilience, such as community solidarity during the COVID-19 pandemic, as examples of Britain's underlying unity.
"At any time in history, there will always be some disunity under the surface. Life is economically tough for a lot of people, so I understand why people are disaffected. Covid was a good example where people did shopping for their neighbors, they rallied round one another-that's what British spirit is about."
Sir Gareth Southgate
Reflecting on failure and leadership in new book
Southgate's comments come as he promotes his new book, Dear England: Lessons in Leadership, which reflects on his eight-year tenure as England manager and his broader career. Despite failing to secure a major trophy, he is widely credited with fostering a sense of national togetherness around the team, particularly during the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020 campaigns.
His own playing career was marked by a defining moment of failure: missing a crucial penalty in the 1996 EURO semi-final shootout against Germany at Wembley. Southgate described the experience as devastating but formative, teaching him resilience in the face of public scrutiny.
"It's one of the certainties of life that things are going to go wrong for you. What I learned from 1996 is that I failed to execute a skill under pressure and that I needed to be better prepared. When I went to bed that night, I remember thinking: 'I don't know how I'll ever get over this.' [...] But you step outside the house the next day, and slowly get over it."
Sir Gareth Southgate on coping with failure
He added that while the initial backlash was harsh-with opposition fans frequently taunting him-he ultimately found "a way through" by focusing on personal growth and leadership.
What's next for Southgate?
Since leaving his role in July, Southgate has indicated he is "very relaxed not being in football at the moment," though he has not ruled out a future return to the sport. His immediate focus remains on promoting his book and engaging in public discussions about leadership, unity, and the challenges facing modern England.
The debate over national symbols shows no signs of abating, with flags continuing to appear in towns and cities. Analysts suggest the issue reflects deeper societal fractures, exacerbated by economic strain and political polarization. Southgate's call for unity echoes broader appeals from community leaders, though whether it will temper the growing divisions remains uncertain.
