Image: Roy Hodgson
Roy Hodgson had resigned from his managerial position after England lost to Iceland at Euro 2016 but Wales defender Chris Gunter is currently making headlines for stepping up to defend his team-mates after they were filmed celebrating England’s exit at their hotel room.
Gunter [the Reading defender] has played every minute for Wales at Euro 2016. The player’s immeasurable contribution to his team is part of the reasons Wales survived to the quarter-finals of the competition so he commands some respect.
Wales have talented players which includes Bale [Real Madrid superstar]. They’ll be playing against a formidable Belgian side in the quarter finals July 2.
After topping Group B ahead of their closest rivals England, Wales managed to grind out a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland while Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions limped out courtesy of a humiliating 2-1 defeat to lowly-rated Iceland on Monday night.
That result is the reason why Hodgson immediately tendered his resignation as the manager of the English national side.
However, the video leak of an open celebration of England’s loss by the Welsh squad in their hotel, has opened a new debate on respect among footballers.
This debate is also being considered as part of the Brexit politics.
Image: Chris Gunter
Gunter, who was part of the celebrations, addressed the press and made a case for his teammates. He explained: ‘It certainly wasn’t a video to show any lack of respect,’ he said.
‘I think it’s fantastic for the tournament that another smaller nation have progressed through; another team that were probably written off before a ball was kicked.
‘But it certainly wasn’t meant [as] a lack of respect. There’s a lot of people in the squad who know players from the England side.
‘It certainly wasn’t meant in that way and I think the main feeling after the final whistle – and probably in a selfish way from the squad – was generally a real pride that we’re the last team from the home nations to be in the tournament.’
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