- Mural of Gareth Southgate, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling unveiled today
- Sadiq praises England players and staff for inspiring millions and bringing nation together
- Londoners encouraged to visit murals as they celebrate the Three Lions’ achievements
Following England’s inspiring journey to the UEFA EURO2020 final, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced that a work of art will be painted in central London to pay tribute to the team’s performance.
The mural of manager Gareth Southgate, captain Harry Kane and boy-from-Brent Raheem Sterling will be unveiled at Vinegar Yard in London Bridge this morning.
Urban street artists MurWalls created the artwork to help Londoners and visitors celebrate the capital’s role in hosting the European championships.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “What an amazing month the England team have given us during the EURO2020 tournament.
“On behalf of all Londoners, I want to congratulate the magnificent England football team and their wonderful manager Gareth Southgate on making it to the final of the competition.
“The mural created by MurWalls unveiled today is a wonderful celebration of a team that have inspired and united our nation in our time of need. I encourage as many people as possible to take a look and get out and about in our wonderful capital this summer.”
Marc Silver, founder of MurWalls, said: “Football may not quite have come home but pride in our national team certainly did - and that’s in no small part down to the leadership of Gareth Southgate. On and off the field, he and his players are true role models for young Londoners and we’re delighted to be working with the Mayor to celebrate their historic achievement on home turf. We look forward to honouring them going one better next year!”
Neil Benson, Vinegar Yard said: "It’s been amazing seeing fans and friends get together again at Vinegar Yard and support the England team in the Euros. We’re proud to have these murals on display at Vinegar Yard to show our support for Gareth Southgate and the team who inspired the nation.”
Sadiq has been helping Londoners support the national team throughout the tournament, welcoming thousands into the Fan Zone at Trafalgar Square and Fan Village at Potters Fields Park. He also transformed the capital’s streets with more than 3,000 black and white photographs of Londoners’ faces exhibited at five locations across the city as part of a large-scale public installation by internationally acclaimed French artist JR, capturing the stories of Londoners during the tournament and celebrating the people that make up our capital.
Shortly before the tournament started, Sadiq launched his #LetsDoLondon campaign - the biggest domestic tourism the capital has ever seen - encouraging people to come and experience the very best that London has to offer and to make the most of the current opportunity to come for a day out without the queues that international visitors would usually bring.
TfL continues to go above and beyond to keep our transport network clean and safe for families to return to the network this summer. An enhanced cleaning regime includes trains, trams, buses and stations being cleaned with hospital-grade cleaning substances that kill viruses and bacteria on contact and provide ongoing protection. Additionally, Sadiq is continuing to urge Londoners to show caution when out and about, including wearing face coverings on public transport and in indoor settings, washing hands regularly and thoroughly, and maintaining social distancing where possible.
Notes to editors
Hi-res images are available here: https://we.tl/t-GWH12BcG65
About MurWalls:
MurWalls was founded in late 2019 shortly before the pandemic creating large street art murals as well as bringing licensed street art into people’s homes and bedrooms. MurWalls are officially licensed with Liverpool FC, Manchester City, Brighton & Hove Albion, West Ham United, Cloud Co and HASBRO and have worked with BBC Sport, among others, to produce artworks honouring special moments and individuals. A mural celebrating Dame Vera Lynn will be unveiled this week in east London where she grew up.
About Vinegar Yard:
Vinegar Yard is a premier outdoor drinking, eating and shopping space in London Bridge. Open every day, Vinegar Yard is home to street food traders such as Nik’s Kitchen, Nanny Bills, Bad Boy Pizza Society, Sugo and Baba G’s, as well as 3 bars, independent retailers and a weekly Flea market.