Dear England

In the days since England lost to Italy in the finals of the Euro Football (Soccer) Championship, the collective wounds of a nation - who lost on penalty shootouts - are starting to heal. Albeit slowly.

I can’t say that I am a football fan. Now an ex-pat, it was however impossible to grow up in the heartland without being exposed to the weekly matches, the winners, and losers. A Prime Minister was quoted as saying “the closest the English have to religion is the National Health Service (NHS).” True? Perhaps, but I believe the football stadiums are our nation’s churches, and Wembley Arena is England’s cathedral.

But this isn’t about football. It’s about leadership and the extraordinary letter penned by English Manager and Coach, Gareth Southgate, as England entered into the Euros, ever hopeful in their bid to reach the finals, their first in 55 years.

“Dear England” is a beautiful letter.

It’s a letter of hope. It’s a letter of honor. It’s a letter of service. It’s a letter of responsibility, but ultimately, it’s a letter of love to England 2021. Reading it is a warm embrace. A hug of home. An acknowledgement of the sacrifice of past generations that afforded us our freedom. A nod to the overlooked football clubs scattered around the country - many whom yield the ultimate privilege - the chance to play for England. The opportunity to wear the jersey and represent your country to the world.

It’s apparent that Mr. Southgate understands leadership. He knows the power of teamwork. His calm demeanor belies the resilience of a man who has overcome.

His celebration of diversity and inclusion is a bold declaration of a “must” if we’re to ensure an equal and empathetic country. But leadership knows no geographical boundaries - something we have all learned of late.

Leaders are born out of unlikely places. Of course, we can all name the hospital CEO or politician we think did a good job. Or not. But what of the countless numbers of healthcare workers who toiled through chaos to lead our loved ones out of an invisible war. They too understand leadership. Their courage concealed by N95 masks.

Gareth Southgate carries an impressive title. Not all leaders can lay claim to such remarkable credentials. But that doesn’t make them any less worthy of our appreciation and admiration.

To read Gareth’s inspirational letter, click here: https://www.theplayerstribune.com/posts/dear-england-gareth-southgate-euros-soccer

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