Chris Powell: "I'm standing by you, I know the future" Chris Powell on the viral moment that he offered Bukayo Saka support following the Euro 2020 final loss to Italy
There were many iconic images of England's defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 penalty final. They will be forever etched into the story of that summer.
The moment England's Chris Powell wrapped his arm around Bukayo Saka as they watched Italy win their medals was a different story.
Powell is one the most prominent black coaches in the country. He was part of England's recent tournament success, under Gareth Southgate.
The players who missed their spot-kicks in the defeat to Italy on penalties - all young black men in Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho - were immediately subjected to racist abuse online.
Powell's leadership, experience and role in Gareth Southgate’s backroom team were elevated to a new level.
Powell, an ex-england international who played over 500 career games for country and club, recalls thinking "I just remember standing there thinking, that he's going be needing support."
"And who would you rather have around you?" You want your family to be normal. He can't yet get to them, so I felt that I was standing by you. "I know what's coming, unfortunately."
BBC Sport interviews some of the most influential black men in the England men's setup to discuss the importance of their role as part of Black History Month.
Lead by example
Powell believes that the six-month change from England's pre-tournament friendlies being booed and then being applauded at Wembley prior to this month’s World Cup qualifiers is clear evidence of the country's progress.
Powell said that when Tottenham rivals cheered Saka onto Arsenal's pitch in August it showed that "love, support, and emotion" can transcend historical rivalries and abuse by "a minority who try to speak loudest".
It is well-documented that Powell, Southgate and the England leadership group considered taking a knee but decided to continue their stance throughout the Euros and beyond.
Powell said: "We believed it was the best thing to us and for the nation. We knew it would be powerful and, look at what happened, people are now clapping.
Powell claims that the frequent questions about social issues like race are no longer a burden on this generation of "eloquent England players", who, under Southgate's leadership, have "reconnected with the media" and the public.
"I don’t regard it as a weight anymore. It used to be. Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashord, Tyrone Mings... I told them, "You don't realize how powerful you guys now, and that your behaviours and words resonate with so many people."
"For my generation, it was a wonderful experience to be able to play this game. But we didn't have the right voice. Because it was not accepted, we couldn't speak up.
"People from all walks of life are now happy to talk about how others treat them, they're happy to be open and honest and not be afraid, which I believe is hugely beneficial for my children and their children."
"The larger picture is now. Can we seize this moment?"
There will always be opposition. It's usually a minority who tries to speak loudest, which is something you need to recognize.
"Listen to it, if necessary, but still believe in your values as an individual, a race, and as a team. I think that we recognize how powerful their voices can be."
This summer, our nation came together - Powell
Senior pro
Jesse Lingard, Manchester United forward, has been a senior England international player for five years. He also played in Gareth Southgate’s first match as manager.
He has grown from a young player to an experienced leader in the dressing room. He has become a leader within the England squad through this change.
He stated that Gareth has a great setup. Everybody wants to go to England. Everyone enjoys England.
"The things that we do off the pitch, team bonding. Everyone knows each other, it helps with the pitch. It's diverse and the culture is so strong it's a huge help.
"We all talk about everything together. We never discuss the individual experiences of anyone on the pitch.
"That's been the case over the years. Times have changed. Because we are such a close-knit team, we can all come together regardless of whether there is an issue on the field or off.
The young Lion
Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace's defender, is the England Under-21 Captain - not only because of his title but also because he is one of few black captains in England.
He is a leader beyond his 21-year-old age. He is playing regularly in Premier League, according to Patrick Vieira, his club manager.
He stated, "I wouldn’t say it’s something I think about, but it’s definitely something I realized has an impact.
"[I'm] carrying the torch for loads and loads of children out there - seeing someone similar to me or someone they look like in a position privilege and responsibility. It's a huge thing.
Guehi idol was Didier Drogba, a Chelsea legend and ex-captain of Ivory Coast.
He was a huge voice at Chelsea and a great player. He was captain of Ivory Coast, and he stopped the civil war in Ivory Coast.
"To see any person of any ethnic background or variety just epitomizes what this country is all about.
It is amazing to see so many black people in leadership positions and responsible roles in the England setup.
The decision-maker
Michael Johnson is a support worker at the FA, helping to guide the organisation on how to best engage with EFL and Premier League clubs. He was also a player in the Premier League, and is an ex-youth international for England.
Johnson's journey after retirement is different from the usual one of ex-professionals. Johnson is a certified corporate governance professional, has a Diploma with the League Managers Association, and holds two masters degrees. He also studied business.
He stated, "You must be able see it, believe you can do it."
It's the same when you look at people in high-ranking positions. It gives inspiration to others who may be in the same position.
"But, I also think there's a real skill in the sense that we know where the game is going and how varied it is.
"I believe it's important that that is reflected at senior level because that's when the decision-making process for those senior leaders then affects and flows down through your organization to effect those who are directly affected.
"It's great for inspiration. It's amazing for people to see others who look like them, and then to be motivated to continue that journey."
