Ex- England manager Sir Gareth Southgate has declared he is "worried about unity" amid an continuing debate about flying the St George's flag.
In recent months, a growing number of English and union jack flags have appeared across England.
While some individuals consider the flag display as patriotic, others find it threatening.
Southgate, who served eight years in charge of the England team, stepped down as coach following a European Championship final defeat to Spain.
Although he failed to win silverware with England, he is widely recognised for uniting the nation in support of the England team and has recently authored a book called Dear England: Lessons in Leadership.
The Flags Debate
During a recent TV appearance, host Jon Kay asked Southgate for his view on the flags debate, stating: "Some people are supportive of them. Some people are questioning the display of them in certain circumstances. What do you think of that flags debate in the context of what you believe about patriotism?"
Southgate responded: "I worry about unity. I've seen what we accomplished with the team [England] to bring together every community."
"I believe there's more that unites us all than divides us. We should attempt and focus increasingly on what unites us together than what separates us."
Current Incidents and Reactions
Ex- England defender and Salford City co-owner Gary Neville lately condemned the "negative" showing of the St George's flag and said he had ordered the removal of a flag from a building site that he has financial interest in.
Salford City's League Two match against Oldham Athletic was delayed subsequently when two field intruders attempted to put a St George's flag inside the center of the field at the Peninsula Stadium.
Extremist group Britain First took credit for the event, saying they "teamed up with local Salford patriots" to demonstrate against the "disloyalty of Gary Neville."
Southgate's Perspective on Togetherness
"Throughout history there will constantly be a degree of division under the surface," said Southgate.
"Living is financially difficult for many people so I understand why people are discontented."
"The pandemic was a good example where people ran errands for their neighbors, they supported one another, that's what UK character is about."
His Own Experience
Southgate, who was appointed England head coach in November 2016 following an temporary spell, gained 57 appearances for the Three Lions during his time as a player.
The closest the player came to silverware with the England team as a footballer was in 1996, when he failed to score a spot kick in a semi-final penalty shoot-out loss to Germany at Wembley.
Asked about the significance of failing, Southgate stated: "It's one of the realities of life that things are going to not work out for you. What I discovered from 1996 is that I failed to perform a technique when it mattered and that I needed to be better prepared."
"When I retired for the night that night I recall thinking: 'I don't know how I'll possibly get over this.'"
"The whole country was on this carnival of football in 1996 and heading to the championship match, and I was accountable for us going out."
"But you step outside the house the following day and slowly move past it. People didn't hesitate of reminding me about it when I played at rival stadiums but there's constantly a way through these situations and you have to discover that resilience to overcome it."
