England fans salute crocked boss Gareth Southgate ahead of crunch World Cup tie against Panama
England supporters have backed the manager, who's been in a sling since injuring his shoulder jogging, by jokingly copying his new look — and here we meet some of Gareth’s biggest fans in Southgate, North London
ENGLAND fans started supporting sling-land as they saluted crocked boss Gareth Southgate ahead of Sunday’s crunch World Cup tie.
They backed the manager, in a sling since injuring his shoulder jogging, by jokingly copying his new look.
The hopeful mood has even reached the Three Lions squad in Russia as they prepare to take on Panama in 32C (89.6F) Nizhny Novgorod. Defender Kyle Walker, 28, said: “It has been so positive for us. We have seen the videos of the fans back home.
“We want to do well not just for us as a team but for the nation.
“I would say to the fans, ‘Keep it going’. We go in as one, we just need to keep pushing.”
Perhaps unsurprisingly, The Sun found some of Gareth’s biggest fans in Southgate, North London — including one named Gareth.
Gareth Tzouvanni, 27, said: “He’s a great manager and this is definitely going to be our year. I can’t wait for the final!”
Father Ed Turner, 38, rector at St Andrew’s Church in Southgate, added: “Gareth is the man. We have a fresh new team and they’re going to play an exciting game.”
In Colchester, Essex, 25-year-old barmaid Karla Hayhoe said: “I hope Gareth is OK because he is carrying the country’s hopes on his shoulders.” Watch seller Gary Foy, 58, added: “His injury has not broken his spirit.”
Leeds bar owner Neil Crampton, 53, said: “I know what it’s like to dislocate your shoulder. I think he’s a trouper for popping on a sling and getting back to business. Let’s hope all the players take note.”
Office manager Stacey Dixon, 32, also of Leeds, said: “Gareth is rocking that sling, with his three-piece suits and his beard. I think he looks very suave.”
Chef Jack Hope, 20, of Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, said: “Panama will be a walk in the park. I think we will take it all the way.”
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Mick Hutton, 47, a building site manager in Newcastle, said: “If anything, Gareth’s injury might spur the team on to cheer him up a bit.”
Waiter Hassan Chowdhury, 24, of Luton, said: “I think he is doing a great job.”
And charity worker Jack Swinburn, 24, from Coundon, Coventry, agreed: “Gareth may be walking wounded but his ‘get on with it’ attitude sums up the feelgood factor surrounding England.”
SCRAMBLE TO BUY TICKETS
ENGLAND will get a World Cup fan surge if they triumph against Panama tomorrow.
Just 2,000 hardcore supporters were in the stadium at Volgograd when Harry Kane’s last-gasp winner grabbed victory against Tunisia.
But the vital win sparked a surge of online inquiries for tickets from those missing out on the party.
Thousands are expected to book if a win in Nizhny Novgorod tomorrow secures a place in the knockout phase.
Google searches for “World Cup tickets”, “England World Cup tickets” and “how to buy World Cup tickets” spiked after Kane’s winner on Monday.
England fans stayed away amid fears of hooliganism and high costs. Football Supporters Federation chief Kevin Miles said: “Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and word is spreading.
“It’s too late to get to the Panama game and our small allocation for the game against Belgium is sold out.
“But if we beat Panama and guarantee a place in the knockout phase, I expect a lot of interest in coming out to support the team.”
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