Gareth Southgate sends message to fans as Leeds United and football world continue hiatus over coronavirus

The professional game in England is postponed until at least April 30 with this summer’s European Championships now taking place next year to allow extra time for Europe’s leagues to conclude their seasons.

As part of their preparations for what would been Euro 2020, Southgate’s Three Lions had been due to host a friendly against Italy next Friday before also taking on Denmark four days later.

Having been in sparkling form for Championship front-runners Leeds, reports suggested Whites midfielder Kalvin Phillips was set to be included in Southgate’s squad for the first time.

England, though, who have also cancelled their June friendlies against Austria and Romania, will now see their plans geared towards next summer’s Euro 2021 instead.

In the meantime, the Premier League and EFL campaigns have been extended indefinitely and beyond the usual June 1 limit with UEFA wanting their members’ European league campaigns to be concluded by June 30.

The Premier League and EFL have both expressed their clear preference to fulfil the remaining games.

Prime minister Boris Johnson expects it to take around 12 weeks for the country to “turn the tide” with a virus which first shut down English football last Friday as Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi both tested positive for COVID-19.

The government have been encouraging social distancing and advising the public to work from home where possible and avoiding unnecessary travel.

Johnson then announced on Friday afternoon that all pubs, cafes, bars, restaurants, theatres, nightclubs, gyms and leisure centres would close from Friday night.

United’s players are currently training from home and Three Lions boss Southgate said he confidently expected the country to eventually rise above coronavirus and particularly given solidarity amongst fans.

In an open letter to supporters, Southgate - who lives near Harrogate - wrote: “For everyone in our country, the primary focus of the present - and the coming months - is undoubtedly to look after our families, support our communities and work together to come through what is clearly the most extreme test that we’ve faced collectively in decades.

“On behalf of all the team and staff, I would like to take this opportunity to send our sympathies to those who have lost loved ones already.

"Our thoughts are with you and with those who sadly will suffer similarly in the coming period.

“In the way you’ve all come together to support our team, we must now work together to combat a virus that is causing physical and emotional issues to so many.

“So, please continue to follow the guidelines for hygiene and also the sensible precautions put in place to control the spread of the virus in order to protect those most vulnerable to its impact.

“That responsibility lies with us all.”

Southgate added: “We are also conscious of the economic uncertainty affecting so many businesses and, consequently, virtually every family.

“Coupled with the unique challenges of self-isolation, the loss of routine to normal working and social life, we face real challenges to our mental wellbeing.

"Our children may feel anxious with uncertainty. It’s not normal for any of us and it’s going to challenge us all.

“Look out for each other. Please don’t suffer alone, and remember that our great country has come through these enormous challenges before - and, together, we will do so again.

“We were due to play next week and to represent you all this summer, but now is clearly not the moment for us to take centre stage.

"The heroes will be the men and women who continue working tirelessly in our hospitals and medical centres to look after our friends and families.

"They won’t receive the individual acclaim, but we all know their importance is beyond anything we do on the pitch.

“When we play again as an England team, it will be at a time when not only our country but the rest of the world as well is on the road to recovery.

"Hopefully we will be closer to each other than ever, and ready for the beautiful distraction that football can bring.

"To play in a European Championship next summer will still be possible for all of our squad and so we shouldn't spend another moment thinking about the postponement of the competition.

"I feel sure that, when that moment comes, I will never have been prouder to be the leader."