Ex- England manager Sir Gareth Southgate has declared he is "concerned about unity" during an continuing debate about displaying the St George's flag.
Over the past few months, a increasing number of St George's and British flags have been seen across England.
While some individuals consider the flag display as nationalistic, others consider it intimidating.
Southgate, who spent eight years as manager of the England team, resigned as coach following a Euro 2024 final loss to Spain.
Though he didn't secure silverware with England, he is broadly acknowledged for bringing together the country in backing of the England team and has now authored a book called Dear England: Lessons in Leadership.
This Flags Debate
In a recent television interview, host Jon Kay asked Southgate for his opinion on the flags debate, stating: "Certain individuals are proud of them. Others are questioning the display of them in specific circumstances. What do you think of that flags debate in the context of what you believe about patriotism?"
Southgate replied: "I worry about unity. I've seen what we accomplished with the team [England] to unify every community."
"I do think there's greater that bonds us all than separates us. We should attempt and concentrate more on what brings us together than what separates us."
Current Incidents and Responses
Ex- England player and Salford City co-owner Gary Neville recently criticised the "negative" showing of the St George's flag and stated he had instructed the removal of a flag from a building site that he has financial interest in.
Salford City's League Two fixture against Oldham Athletic was delayed subsequently when two field intruders attempted to place a St George's flag inside the center of the field at the Peninsula Stadium.
Extremist group Britain First claimed responsibility for the incident, saying they "joined forces with Salford nationalists" to demonstrate against the "disloyalty of Gary Neville."
The Manager's Viewpoint on Unity
"Throughout history there will always be some disunity beneath the surface," said Southgate.
"Living is financially difficult for many people so I comprehend why people are discontented."
"Covid was a good instance where people did shopping for their neighbours, they supported one another, that's what British spirit is about."
Southgate's Personal Experience
Southgate, who was named England manager in November 2016 following an temporary period, earned 57 appearances for the Three Lions during his playing career.
The nearest the defender got to silverware with the England team as a player was in 1996, when he missed a spot kick in a semi-final penalty shoot-out defeat to Germany at Wembley.
Questioned about the importance of not succeeding, Southgate said: "It is one of the realities of life that events are going to not work out for you. What I discovered from 1996 is that I was unsuccessful to execute a skill when it mattered and that I had to be better prepared."
"As I went to bed that night I remember reflecting: 'I don't know how I'll ever get over this.'"
"The whole country was on this celebration of soccer in 1996 and progressing to the final, and I was accountable for us being eliminated."
"However you leave the home the following day and gradually get over it. People didn't hesitate of reminding me about it when I competed at rival stadiums but there's constantly a way past these things and you have to discover that strength to come through it."