Fans and political leaders have united behind Gareth Southgate and his men – as the Mail launches its 'We're Backing England' campaign to help the team win Euro 2024.

Sir Keir Starmer joined Rishi Sunak and England fans in supportng Mail Sport's new drive to unite the nation behind the squad.

Sir Keir, who has a season ticket at Arsenal and plays five-a-side football each week, said: 'There's been too much criticism [of the team so far], get behind them, get them over the line.

'This is a really important competition. England always do a bit of this at the beginning of competitions.

'Get behind the team – it's a full squad of players who've all had fantastic seasons for their respective clubs. Just get behind the team and I support this campaign.'

Sir Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak have both joined England fan's in supporting the Mail's 'We're Backing England' campaign to unite the nation behind the squad

Mr Sunak, a Southampton fan, said: 'I remember when we could only dream about England qualifying top of their group and being favourites in their first knockout game. And we also know that this England team tends to shine when the pressure's on.

'So I hope that, like me, the whole country will get behind Gareth and the boys when they play Slovakia on Sunday, and I'm confident they'll put on a show for us.' 

Lib Dem Leader Sir Ed Davey said: 'Let's unite behind Gareth and the team.

'We have world-class players who can bring it home. Our fans in the stadiums have been amazing. Come on England!'

Gareth Southgate and his players were booed by sections of England supporters on Tuesday night after the bore-draw with Slovenia, a side ranked 57th in the world – 52 below the Three Lions.

Read More

Simple route to the final then? England fans in Cologne say they're ecstatic the Three Lions have dodged the Netherlands and will now play Slovakia in their next match before a potential quarter final with Italy

Some of the players' family members were soaked in beer when plastic pint glasses were thrown by angry fans.

Defender Ezri Konsa said projectiles were 'coming from all angles', although it is not thought partners and families were deliberately targeted.

Only low-alcohol beer will be served at the stadium in Gelsenkirchen for Sunday's Last 16 game. England have scored just two goals in their three opening games but still finished top of Group C.

In Frankfurt, where England drew 1-1 with Denmark last Thursday, teacher Kelly Mann said she 'still has faith' in the team. 

The 41-year-old, originally from Bristol, has been living in Germany for 16 years. Her partner Dave Doyle runs O'Reilly's Irish bar, which was taken over by England fans ahead of the Denmark game.

She said: 'The England fans we have had in the pub have been brilliant. Now we just need the team to follow suit.

'We are still a very strong squad with great players and our early performances in tournaments have rarely been great, so the country shouldn't lose hope. People just need to keep believing.'

Police expect the majority of England's travelling support to gather in Dusseldorf ahead of Sunday's game.

In the city's Old Town last night, England fans remained firmly behind the team.

Tim Westwood, 62, was settled outside a bar with friend Steve Hughes, 51, and Mr Hughes' son, Fintan, 17.

Mr Westwood, from Weston-super-Mare in Somerset, added: 'I don't want to be one of those sad England fans that say 'Yes, we're going to do it', but yes, we're going to do it.

'So far we have played three teams who have defended resolutely in the hope of getting a draw. We haven't lost a game – I'm still certain we will end up in Berlin [for the final].' 

Mr Hughes added: 'We said before we came out here that England would start slowly in the group stage but then turn on the style. I'm confident of success.'

At a nearby bar, Dan Buttar, 43, and friend Karl Theakstone, 48, were sat with their sons George and Alfie, both 16, on what is a post-GCSEs treat for the teenagers. The group are part of England's Camper Van Army following the team in Germany.

Mr Buttar, from Nottingham, was staggered that some were doubting the team and said: 'We have got plenty left in the tank - this team finished top of the group without playing their best. We're dead good.'

Mr Theakstone, 48, added: 'We play better against better quality opposition. We fully believe.'

George added: 'Now we're in the knockout phase, the games will get more open.'