England Test cricket captain Ben Stokes has revealed he reached out to England’s football manager Gareth Southgate via text with words of encouragement during the Euros 2024.
Gareth Southgate faced criticism after some England performances, but Stokes, whose team famously overcame adversity to win the 2019 Cricket World Cup, offered a message of support and shared his own experiences.
Shared struggles and call for positivity by Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes, known for his aggressive “Bazball” approach to cricket, spoke to the England football squad before the Euros. He emphasized the importance of positivity, especially considering the pressures athletes face on social media.
“There’s so much passion for England,” Stokes told The Telegraph. “People get upset, but you have to step back. We topped the group, now we’re in the semi-final.”
Highlighting the team’s progress, Stokes urged fans to offer unwavering support: “It’s okay to be frustrated, but support them through thick and thin.”
Defending England Football Team
Ben Stokes even took to social media himself to defend the England football team, including a post supporting Kyle Walker’s interview after the group stage draw with Denmark.
He pointed out the negativity some former players, like Gary Lineker, directed at the team, mirroring what cricketers have faced from pundits like Bob Willis and Geoffrey Boycott.
Empathy for players’ pressure
“Harry Kane addressed it well,” Ben Stokes said, referencing the England captain’s response to criticism. “These guys are under immense pressure. More negativity just adds to it.”
Stokes’ message is clear: support, not criticism, is what these athletes need.
“They’ve done incredibly well to be there,” he concluded.
