The news comes as the Evening Standard revealed on Sept. 10 that the England soccer team will express its deep remembrance of the late Queen Elizabeth II ahead of the upcoming Europa League match at Wembley.
The FA confirmed on Friday that a short ceremony of silence will be held before kick-off of the Europa League on September 26, with players wearing black armbands as a sign of mourning.
Southgate and England Women's Football Manager Sarina Wigman issued a joint statement this afternoon paying tribute to the Queen: "Our thoughts are with King Charles III, the President of the FA, the Duke of Cambridge and the entire Royal Family at this time. As we remember and celebrate Her Majesty's glorious life, we also express our deep gratitude for her outstanding leadership and selflessness. She showed the world what it means to be British. Her values, her majesty and her resilience are a model for us all. In the best and toughest of times, she has provided us with solid support and unwavering confidence. I am proud to have her as a supporter and we will be singing God Save the Queen before every game.
"The team will have the opportunity to pay our respects to the Queen when they play Germany at the end of this month. Certainly, this moment can't help but bring back memories of the 1966 World Cup Final and the moment Her Majesty the Queen awarded the Remit Cup to Bobby Moore. As silence falls over Wembley Stadium and the whole country, I will be reminded of all this and her 70 years of impeccable duty."
In his letter, Wiegman expressed his deep condolences for the Queen's death: "I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. I would like to join hundreds of millions of people around the world in remembering her great life and mourning her passing. My country has always held her in high esteem, admiration and love, and I believe that this sentiment is not confined to England, but is shared globally. I can feel the love of the people for her as a mother figure who sought tranquillity and peace in troubled times. My players and staff reminded me of what she meant to this country with songs full of respect. The words 'Give her the victory' are not only emblazoned on our jerseys, they are etched in our hearts. This summer, she took the precious time to write me a letter congratulating us on our success. In that letter, she called us 'an inspiration to girls and women'. Your Majesty, you inspire me with your tireless work ethic, outstanding leadership, sublime majesty and kindness. My thoughts are with the royal family and the entire British people who are bearing this sad news."
