England and Great Britain are still mourning today as the nation and many parts of the commonwealth continue to pay their respects to much-beloved Queen Elizabeth II as her casket currently lies in state in Westminster Hall before her funeral on Monday, as the queue of those who wish to pay their respects has seen thousands in line for over 12-hours.
Despite being monarch of one of the most influential nations on the political map, the queen was also rumored to be an avid football fan and possible supporter of West Ham United and bore witness to many of the nation’s biggest footballing moments at both club and international level.
From presenting the World Cup trophy to a triumphant England side at the 1966 World Cup to meeting Arsenal at Buckingham Palace in the only instance of a football club enjoying an audience with her majesty, and paying homage to a victorious England ladies side that lifted the European Trophy this summer, Queen Elizabeth II has left an endearing mark on the sport in England and Premier League managers have offered tribute in the run-up to this weekends fixture program.
Premier League managers pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s life and incredible service pic.twitter.com/149R8KgctZ
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 16, 2022
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta stated “It is phenomenal what the country has done. It shows the level of respect and admiration and the legacy the Queen has left. It was very emotional, coming from a different country and culture it was pretty special.”
Eddie Howe spoke of a sentiment closer to home when he poignantly commented “The beauty of football is that we do get to come together as a nation and pay tribute to the fantastic life the Queen had and what she did for our country. That’s what football does best.”
Additionally, Leicester City headmaster Brendan Rodgers remarked on the Queen’s overall service to her country irrespective of her connection to the beautiful game; “It’s clearly very, very sad and it’s fitting how the country has commemorated the Queen’s death. She has done a remarkable job, she’s given up her adult life virtually to do her role and carried it out with distinction.”
