SAMI MOKBEL: It was easy for England not to take the knee for recent Nations League games because that’s what they’re used to in the Premier League… but they can still make a powerful gesture at the World Cup in Qatar
- England did not take the knee against Italy or Germany in the Nations League
- It was the first time they had not done so for 35 games and two years
- The matter has been discussed England’s leadership group of players
Tell the truth, did you notice that England players didn’t take the knee recently? Didn’t think so.
Gareth Southgate’s players have made the symbolic gesture ever since their game against Iceland in September 2020 but suddenly stopped last month for the UEFA Nations League fixtures against Italy and Germany.
But no-one clocked, no questions were asked. That is partly my fault, I noticed but fell short of querying why they’d stopped.
The England players are currently undecided on taking the knee in Qatar next month
England haven’t won in six matches and prior to their stirring comeback against Germany at Wembley last Monday night hadn’t scored in over 500 minutes.
As preposterous as it sounds, football was newsworthier. However, the fact it was allowed to pass without so much as a ripple is improper.
But this was always the danger when Premier League players decided to severely limit the amount of times they take the knee, a gesture that had become a staple of English football for two years, ahead of the season.
Out of sight, out of mind. This is not meant as a criticism of the players. Their job is to play football, it’s natural the sport takes precedent.
It’s up to them if they choose to stand for something more.
The leadership group, which included Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, decided to follow the Premier League’s guidance on taking the knee
But it was easy for the England players to decide not to take the knee in September because it’s what they are used to.
It’s important to stress that the issue was not overlooked by the England squad last month.
Sportsmail has learned that the matter was discussed by England’s leadership group – a party that consists of Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling among others.
It was decided by those senior players that on this occasion they should follow the Premier League guidance.
That’s fair enough, that’s their decision. But given they had taken the knee for the previous 35 games, it’s also reasonable to expect some form of communication as to why they weren’t making the gesture this time around.
Players came out publicly prior to Euro 2020 to reinforce why they intended to continue taking the knee during what was effectively a home tournament in the face of fierce criticism from England supporters who believed the salute was a political message aligned with the controversial Black Lives Matter movement.
England did not take the knee against Italy or Germany in the Nations League last month
It wasn’t, of course. It was simply a powerful showing of support for equality, there is nothing political about it.
Ironically, it has long been suspected by many in football that the decision to stop taking the knee before every fixture was influenced by Government, who were well aware of football’s power and effect on sections of the population.
England players deserve credit; they stood up to disgusting racial abuse whilst on international duty in less forward-thinking areas of Europe.
But if the England players have decided to stop taking the knee, the reasons why should be expressed through public channels also.
That said, it is understood that taking the knee at the World Cup remains a consideration for England players.
Indeed, there is major support from within the Football Association and the England camp that the team should make the gesture during the tournament.
Certain figures still expect it to happen. There is a recognition that in Qatar, a nation under fire for its attitudes towards human rights and homosexuality, that the gesture would be even more impactful.
The Lionesses have continued to take the knee before games in support of the movement
Ultimately, that will be for the players to decide. And that is only right – it should be a democratic decision.
While, for the time being, the England players have stopped taking the knee, the women’s team continue to do so.
That, too, is their democratic choice. Though it makes you wonder why there isn’t an alignment between the two senior England teams.
Premier League footballers will recommence taking the knee this weekend as part of the two week No Room For Racism campaign.
Perhaps that will thrust the issue back into the public domain again, even for a short while.
But judging by the past three months, we’ll all forget about it again when No Room For Racism is over.
Here’s to hoping that an England team that has given us so much to be proud of during the Southgate era aren’t as forgetful ahead of Qatar.