Gareth Southgate Pens Open Letter to England Supporters After Euro 2020 Postponement

England manager Gareth Southgate has written an open letter to supporters sending his sympathies to those who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The 49-year-old was expecting to be prepare his Three Lions side for international friendlies against Denmark and Italy at the conclusion of the month, but instead has time on his hands after all domestic, European and international football was postponed.

This summer's European Championship has also been pushed back a year, as the world attempts to control the COVID-19 outbreak - which has resulted in thousands of untimely deaths around the world.

Now, with extra time on his hands, Southgate - in a classy gesture - has written a heartfelt letter (via the ​FA's website) to football fans both in England and around the world, expressing his sympathy for those affected by the virus.

"​As we would have been gathering our squad for March fixtures this weekend, it felt an appropriate moment to write a message to all of our supporters," Southgate began.

"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."

Southgate also took time to praise the men and women working in hospitals and medical centres around the country, adding that he hopes - when football does return - to be able to bring everybody together with the help of the national team.

He added: "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.

"To play in a European Championship next summer will still be possible for all of our squad and so we shouldn’t spend another moment thinking about the postponement of the competition."