Times columnist Daniel Finkelstein said the team represented the values of their generation by taking a stand against inequality. He described the gesture, which has been used in sporting events to protest racism, as “encouraging”.

       He told BBC Newsnight: “[The England team] represent the values of their younger generation.

       “And actually, I think that’s a very encouraging generation.

       “The feeling towards other people, the compassion, the emphasis on human rights… it’s sort of quite widespread in the generation from which they come.

       “And that’s why certain people didn’t understand them taking the knee and for them it was completely natural, and rightly so, by the way.

       “So I think it’s even more encouraging than just the football thing.

       “And of course, if they go on and win it - that’s still a big if - they have the possibility of being really quite strong role models and leaders because of the success that they had.”

       His remarks come after Home Secretary Priti Patel accused people who 'take the knee' of participating in "gesture politics”.

       She also sided with football fans who booed players for doing it.

       Ms Patel said anti-racism demonstrations are "not the answer", referring to the "devastating" effect of Black Lives Matter protests last year.

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