Kyle Walker’s comments amid the booing from England fans gave perspective to many people. The controversy arose shortly after England supporters began booing the anti-racism gesture of taking a knee pre-kickoff. Walker commented the following.
“My son asked me, why are you taking the knee? Now I can educate him.”
Defender Kyle Walker
Standing in unison with England manager Gareth Southgate, Walker reiterated that the knee would continue throughout Euro 2020.
In addition to the knee, Kyle Walker’s comments illustrate a new age for athletes. Multiple England players, including Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling, have spoken about racial abuse. Sterling, in particular, received praise for his promotion of the Black Lives Matter movement. His calls for black representation in sports stood in solidarity with Kyle Walker’s message of educating.
England’s Euro 2020 campaign starts shortly, with their first matchup shortly against Croatia. At 31 years old, Kyle Walker is the most senior member of the England squad. He arrived late to the England camp, delayed due to the UEFA Champions League. Kyle Walker is one of four Manchester City players in the Euro 2020 squad. He joins the previously mentioned Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, alongside John Stones.
England’s stand against racism is a welcome sight for many in the football fandom. The comments Kyle Waker made about educating are also a welcome sight. Hopefully, with stances like this, we can completely eradicate racism.
Euro 2020 begins soon, with excitement amongst the football world. England famously lost to Croatia 2 goals to 1 during the 2018 World Cup semi-final. Euro 2016 infamously tarnished the three lions’ reputation on the international stage. Losing 2-1 to Iceland in the quarter-finals. Therefore, England’s performance during Euro 2020 looks to exercise its past demons.
England Euro 2020 Opponents
England’s campaign starts with their group stage games. With their three opponents being Croatia, Scotland in addition to the Czech Republic.
England hopes to finish in the top 2 places to advance into the Round of 16.
