Gareth Southgate backs England poppy tribute

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 07 November 2016

Interim England manager Gareth Southgate backs the FA's decision to defy FIFA and wear poppies on their armbands during their World Cup qualifier with Scotland.

Interim England manager Gareth Southgate has backed the FA's decision to wear poppies during Friday's World Cup qualifier with Scotland at Wembley.

FIFA last week banned the two teams from wearing poppies on their shirts during the game due to a law which forbids players from carrying any commercial, personal, political or religious messages while playing.

However, both England and Scotland have vowed to defy the ban by wearing armbands adorned with poppies, and Southgate believes that it is important to pay tribute.

"I think the fact is, as the head coach, I was keen for us to wear the poppies, I think that's very important. It's part of the history and tradition of what we are as a nation, the remembrance. The fact we have the freedom of speech to make statements as we see fit, we owe it to the people that gave their lives in the two world wars in particular," he told reporters.

"Of course the poppy now commemorates a lot more than that and I understand that people have individual views on that, but I think the history of what we are as a team, and we represent the nation, is important to note and I think the fact we are wearing the poppy is the most important thing. I am aware that everybody will have an independent view and one of the reasons we wear the poppy is to remember the fact that we have the freedom to make those decisions in this country and the freedom to comment on things like that, so that's an important fact to bear in mind.

"The reason we have freedom of speech, free press - whether that's good or bad, you can decide that - but that is I think one of the things we recognise by wearing the poppy. That's what was given by those that gave their lives in those wars. I'm assured that we're able to wear the armbands on Friday night, for me that was important. It was great that that was resolved last week and it doesn't become a distraction this week for the team."

After taking on Scotland, England will host Spain in what will be their final match of the year.