GARETH SOUTHGATE has backed the FA’s decision to defy FIFA on Friday and wear poppies at Wembley against Scotland.
England’s interim head coach claimed the right to free speech played a part in the FA’s thinking during the row over the right to wear them on the players’ armbands.
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Southgate said: “I think the fact is, as the head coach, I was keen for us to wear the poppies, I think that’s very important.
“It’s part of the history and tradition of what we are as a nation, the remembrance. The fact we have the freedom of speech to make statements as we see fit, we owe it to the people that gave their lives in the two world wars in particular.
“Of course the poppy now commemorates a lot more than that and I understand that people have individual views on that, but I think the history of what we are as a team, and we represent the nation, is important to note and I think the fact we are wearing the poppy is the most important thing.
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“I am aware that everybody will have an independent view and one of the reasons we wear the poppy is to remember the fact that we have the freedom to make those decisions in this country and the freedom to comment on things like that, so that's an important fact to bear in mind.
"The reason we have freedom of speech, free press - whether that's good or bad, you can decide that - but that is I think one of the things we recognise by wearing the poppy.
"That's what was given by those that gave their lives in those wars.
"I'm assured that we're able to wear the armbands on Friday night, for me that was important. It was great that that was resolved last week and it doesn't become a distraction this week for the team."
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