A YOUNG footballer has written a heartwarming letter to the England team with sage advice on dealing with their devastating defeat and unacceptable abuse from racists.
Seven-year-old Harry McGuire, who shares his name with the famous England number six, penned the note of encouragement after seeing the Three Lions lose to Italy on penalties in the nail-biting Euro 2020 final on Sunday.
The youngster, captain of Beamish Juve Under-7s, had a similar disappointment a weekend earlier when his team lost in the final at Blackpool Football Tournament – also in a penalty shootout - following a thrilling 4-4 match.
Harry McGuire plays for Beamish Juve
Harry, who plays in goal and idolises North-East shot-stopper Jordan Pickford, chose to write to the national side because mum Leanne Smith said he needed to practise his handwriting.
He is not allowed in school this week as he is self-isolating after two of his teammates tested positive for Covid after football tournament.
Harry, a pupil at Collierley Primary School in Dipton, wrote: “Dear England team, My name is Harry. I’m seven years old. I’m writing to you to say I am happy you got to the final and I am proud.
“Please take no notice of the racism. You played very well but you were very unlucky. Keep ya chin up. From Harry.”
The youngster’s advice to players about ignoring the racism shows he is wise beyond his tender years.
Harry with his letter to the England side
England manager Gareth Southgate with substitutes Jadon Sancho (centre) and Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka who missed penalties in the 3-2 shootout targeted on social media after the game with vile racist comments made towards them.
Speaking the Northern Echo, Harry, who is from Dipton, said: “I think everyone is the same. Everyone counts. Saka is just 19 too.”
His mam, Leanne, said he loves having the same name as the Manchester United central defender, Harry Maguire, although the spelling is slightly different.
The other Harry Maguire
The 37-year-old support worker said: “He loved the celebrations when England scored with him. People were coming up to him and saying: ‘well done Harry Maguire’.
“People always comment. He loves it when Harry Maguire does well, because he gets the praise for it.
“Harry was very emotional on Sunday night, and we linked it to what happened in Blackpool.
I said: ‘They can’t win them all and they have the best they can.’"
Leanne said: “We were doing his homework and I suggested writing a letter to the team so he could practise his handwriting. That is what he came up with. It’s dead canny.
“He has got a heart of gold.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here