Revealed: Ben Stokes texted Gareth Southgate in show of support in wake of criticism

Ben Stokes has revealed he sent messages of support to England manager Gareth Southgate during the European Championship and has called on England fans to lay off the football team before the semi-final against Holland.

The England Test cricket captain contacted Southgate after the win over Slovakia, for which the England manager received criticism, saying how the cricket team improved and recovered from poor performances at the 2019 World Cup to lift the trophy at Lord’s.

Stokes was invited to speak to the England squad before they left for the Euros and his Bazball style of management has been referenced by both the national football and rugby teams. The main message from Stokes is positivity and he understands how modern sport stars are affected by social media.

“Because there is so much passion for England there is an understanding why people get upset, but you have to take a step back and look at it and say right we topped the group, now find ourselves in the semi-final,” Stokes told Telegraph Sport.

“It is okay to be frustrated at how things have gone, but we are in the semi-finals. Sports stars see social media because of how powerful it is so just support them through thick and thin.”

Stokes also posted on social media defending the England team and the post match interview of Kyle Walker after the draw with Denmark in the group stages.

The England football team have been angered by criticism from ex-players led by Gary Lineker, a factor cricketers have had to handle for years with pundits such as Bob Willis and Geoffrey Boycott setting the trend for strident comment.

“Harry Kane addressed it (ex-players’ comments) well and said you’ve been in this place yourselves when it is tough,” said Stokes.

“We understand fans always want us to do well. We don’t lose sight of that. I just always try and show support to whatever national team it is in the spotlight. I will always defend my team when we don’t have a good week or day.

“I just don’t see the value in coming out and scrutinising something because it is not going to help you perform again the next day. Just show support.

“These guys are under so much pressure, the more shit that is thrown at them from left, right and centre just adds to the pressure on their shoulders. Just understand what they have done to be there.”