Coronavirus: Gareth Southgate pens emotional letter calling on public to follow health advice as ‘the responsibility lies with us all’

Reports of large numbers defying government advice to attend social gatherings has triggered an impassioned plea from the England manager to do everything possible to look after the vulnerable

England manager Gareth Southgate has insisted “the responsibility lies with us all” to follow health guidelines and precautions to protect the most vulnerable during the coronavirus crisis.

There have been widespread reports of large numbers ignoring the British government’s advice and persisting with social gatherings at pubs, cafes and other public areas, despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s repeated pleas to avoid such occasions.

As a result, a number of famous faces have urged for the public to adhere to the information being given out during the Covid-19 outbreak, and called on people to “work together” to help out as much as possible during a desperate time.

In a letter posted on the official England Twitter account, Southgate said: “For everyone in our country, the primary focus of the present – and the coming months – is undoubtedly to look after our families, support our communities and work together to come through what is clearly the most extreme test that we’ve faced collectively in decades.

“On behalf of all the team and staff, I would like to take this opportunity to send our sympathies to those who have lost loved ones already. Our thoughts are with you and with those who sadly will suffer similarly in the coming period.

“In the way you’ve all come together to support our team, we must now work together to combat a virus that is causing physical and emotional issues to so many. So, please continue to follow the guidelines for hygiene and also the sensible precautions put in place to control the spread of the virus in order to protect those most vulnerable to its impact.

“That responsibility lies with us all.”

Southgate struck a sympathetic tone with his letter, showing a compassion that has been displayed elsewhere within sport. Both Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and former Manchester United defender Gary Neville have opened the doors of their hotels to staff of the National Health Service free of charge, while Formula One teams have offered to build the much-needed ventilators that the government have issued a plea for.

A number of teams, unions and governing bodies have also pledged money towards ensuring that staff and players are supported during what will economically prove a difficult time for many, and Southgate acknowledged the hard times that lie ahead, calling for people to ensure they are looking out for one another.

“We are also conscious of the economic uncertainty affecting so many businesses and, consequently, virtually every family,” Southgate added. “Coupled with the unique challenges of self-isolation, the loss of routine to normal working and social life, we face real challenges to our mental wellbeing. Our children may feel anxious with uncertainty. It’s not normal for any of us and it’s going to challenge us all.

“Look out for each other. Please don’t suffer alone, and remember that our great country has come through these enormous challenges before – and, together, we will do so again.

“We were due to play next week and to represent you all this summer, but now is clearly not the moment for us to take centre stage. The heroes will be the men and women who continue working tirelessly in our hospitals and medical centres to look after our friends and families. They won’t receive the individual acclaim, but we all know their importance is beyond anything we do on the pitch.

“When we play again as an England team, it will be at a time when not only our country but the rest of the world as well is on the road to recovery. Hopefully we will be closer to each other than ever, and ready for the beautiful distraction that football can bring.”

England two games against Italy and Denmark that were scheduled to take place this month have both been cancelled, with all football in England suspended until at least the end of April, while Euro 2020 has already been moved to next summer by Uefa in an effort to complete all domestic and European club competitions.