Euro 2020: Germany players JOIN England in taking the knee ahead of crunch last-16 clash

Germany players have joined England stars in taking the knee before their Euro 2020 last-16 tie at Wembley.

Joachim Low‘s side, who have not made the gesture in a single match in 2021, had held discussions prior to the game on whether they would join Gareth Southgate‘s men in taking the stance against racism. 

The response from supporters around the ground was largely positive, although their were still some jeers audible as the players knelt just before the game got underway. 

Germany and England players all took a knee to show solidarity against racism at Wembley

Germany’s players had discussed showing solidarity with their opponents before the game

Chelsea’s Timo Werner was among the members of the Germany side joining England players

Despite, some adverse reaction to the pre-match ritual, England have continued to take the knee ahead of every match in the tournament. Scotland were the only team to join them in doing so at Wembley before today.  

The issue of taking a knee has divided squads at Euro 2020 but, prior to their opening game against Croatia, England outlined just why the gesture would continue in their games.

France abandoned their plans to ‘take the knee’ before their crunch match against Germany – because of fears that the gesture was ‘dividing more than uniting’.

England have consistently taken a knee before games and face Germany at Wembley next

France abandoned plans to take a knee prior to facing Germany in Munich at Euro 2020 because they had started to feel that the gesture was ‘dividing more than uniting’ 

Les Bleus, a team full of Premier League stars, had planned to go down on one knee before Tuesday’s game against Germany in Munich, which they won 1-0.

The gesture has been routinely booed but England confirmed prior to the tournament that it was a peaceful protest against discrimination and is not linked to political ideology. 

The England statement urged fans to support the squad, writing: ‘We encourage those that oppose this action to reflect on the message you are sending to the players you are supporting.

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer revealed the gesture has been talked about by players

‘Please respect their wishes and remember that we should all be united in the fight to tackle discrimination. Together.

‘They will do their best for you. Please do your best for them.’

Neuer is not afraid to raise awareness of key issues having worn a rainbow armband during the month of June.

The Germany captain has worn the rainbow armband, which shows solidarity with the LGBT+ community, in the month of June to honour Pride.

He first wore it in a friendly match against Latvia on June 7, and Neuer continued to do so in the Euro 2020 group stage against both France and Portugal.