Boris Johnson 'SCRAPS Downing Street reception' for England's Euros heroes after he and Priti Patel were accused of stoking fans' racism

Downing Street has scrapped plans to host a reception for England's Euro 2020 team amid a furious row over racist abuse aimed at black players after Sunday's final defeat.

Boris Johnson was forced to defend Priti Patel today after she she was accused of 'stoking the fire' with her pre-tournament criticism of players who take the knee.

Three Lions and Aston Villa defender Tyron Mings took aim at the embattled Home Secretary last night, saying she had 'no right' to condemn the barrage of online racist abuse against fellow stars Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka.

The trio were bombarded by sickening messages from morons after missing penalties in Sunday night's heartbreaking Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.

Ms Patel hit out at the abuse, but has faced accusations of hypocrisy after earlier saying players who took the knee were engaged in 'gesture politics' and backing supporters who booed them for doing so.

Downing Street has spent the past couple of days saying it is still speaking to the FA about the best way to mark the team's achievement of reaching a major final for the first time in 55 years.

A one-off bank holiday has been ruled out but the Guardian today reported that No10 has decided against having the team come to Downing Street for a publicised meeting with the Prime Minister.

Asked about a reception today the PM's spokesman said: 'We will be talking to the FA to identify a suitable way for the PM to thank the players and the coaching staff for their efforts.'

The ranks of those criticising the Home Secretary expanded today to include the former Tory defence minister Johnny Mercer, who said that Mings was 'completely right'.

But Mr Johnson's official spokesman today told reporters: 'The Home Secretary is working every day to clamp down on hate crime, racism and violence.

'There is no place for racism in this country and she is backing the police to hold those responsible for this abuse accountable.'

England star Tyrone Mings (pictured taking the knee during a friendly against Romania in June) said the Home Secretary had 'no right' to condemn the barrage of online racist abuse against fellow stars Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka after they missed penalties in Sunday night's heartbreaking Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Stephen Barclay jumped to Priti Patel's defense after Tyrone Mings accused the Home Secretary of 'stoking the fire' of racism by labelling the team taking the knee as 'gesture politics'

It came as Labour backed Mings' statement, with Deputy Leader Angela Raynor urging both Ms Patel and the Prime Minister to 'take the knee and apologise' for 'giving these racist scumbags license to abuse our players'

Daughter of a Ugandan shopkeeper who was subject to 'horrible' racist abuse in school: Who is Priti Patel and what do her family do?

Mother-of-one Priti Patel is originally from the Indian province of Gujarat.

Her maternal family moved to Uganda in the early 20th century and through hard graft made a huge amount of money with a tea estate, cotton and coffee plantation and soft drinks company.

Her father's family, also originally from Gujarat, was, however, poorer and lower caste, and her parent's union was not a popular one.

Priti emigrated to Britain with her parents in the late 1960s so her father Sushil could study for a degree in mechanical engineering.

Mother-of-one Priti Patel (pictured as a child with her father) is originally from the Indian province of Gujarat

By 1972, however, when murderous dictator Idi Amin announced that the 80,000 Asians in Uganda were to be expelled en masse, her family who remained in the country all became penniless and homeless.

Suddenly, Priti's father was forced to give up his education to earn a living and support his parents, brother and sister who fled to England.

He first set up a newsagent for Priti's grandparents to run, then one for themselves. Soon they had a string of corner shops.

For nearly 40 years, her dad was up at 4am, seven days a week, marking up newspapers.

Priti and her younger brother and sister grew up in Harrow, Norfolk and Hertfordshire, moving house as more shops were opened.

The now-Home Secretary told how - as young as six years old - she was subject to taunts of 'P*ki' in the school playground.

In an interview, she said: 'Obviously we're talking a long time ago, but I can still remember the level of hurt and fear.

'I hated it. I remember being six or seven years old and wanting to go home for lunch to get away from it. It was just horrible. Real abuse.'

She said her father 'wanted to change my school' after hearing what happened.

'My mum and dad were shopkeepers, so we heard all sorts of nasty words and language. They were very different times', she added.

Priti told how her parent's 'came to the UK with nothing, worked hard and set up a successful shop business'.

She said: 'There was a desire to work hard and to be successful so you didn't have to rely on anybody else.

'Coming from a country where you're persecuted means that you want to work hard and to contribute to the society where you end up.

'You become patriotic because you make your new country your home, and, as a result, you live and play by its values'.

Her father Sushil Patel stood for UKIP two years ago.

He announced his UKIP candidacy in May 2013 but within less than two hours claimed he had stood down.

He had not told his daughter about his plans to stand, and it was reported at the time that the Tory MP was not happy about his attempt to work with Nigel Farage's party.

Priti was made Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury in 2014, overseeing tax policy, and was a regular in TV studios during the election campaign.

Then, in 2016, she was made International Development Secretary before becoming Home Secretary in 2019.

She defected from the Tories in 1995 to James Goldsmith's Referendum Party, but returned to the Conservatives two years later when William Hague became leader and promised not to join the Euro without a referendum.

Priti added: 'I had a normal background. I went to the local comprehensive. I helped my parents. All we knew was hard work and keeping a roof over your head.

'That's where my own work ethic comes from. Always live within your means, balance your books, cash flow — that's me.'

Mr Johnson's intervention came after Ms Patel yesterday described the abuse of England's stars as 'disgusting', as she joined the nationwide condemnation of those behind the messages.

It prompted a wave of criticism, because of her opposition to the players' anti-racism stance before the Euros began.

And last night Mr Mings, 28, put in a reducer on the Home Secretary. Replying to her tweet he said: 'You don't get to stoke the fire at the beginning of the tournament by labelling our anti-racism message as ''Gesture Politics'' and then pretend to be disgusted when the very thing we're campaigning against, happens.'

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Stephen Barclay jumped to Ms Patel's defense this morning. In a round of media interviews he insisted the Home Secretary, the daughter of Ugandan Asian immigrants, has 'repeatedly taken a stand against racism'.

He told Sky News: 'The Home Secretary herself has been the subject of appalling online racist abuse.

'She has consistently condemned racist abuse online and she has taken action as Home Secretary against some of the extreme right-wing groups that are responsible for this.'

Labour backed Mings' statement, with Deputy Leader Angela Raynor urging both Ms Patel and the Prime Minister to 'take the knee and apologise' for 'giving these racist scumbags license to abuse our players'.

She echoed his criticism, writing: 'If you blow the dog whistle then you are to blame when the dogs start barking.

'Boris Johnson and Priti Patel should take the knee and apologise to Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka for giving these racist scumbags license to abuse our players and ask for forgiveness.'

And she was joined by Mr Mercer, a former veterans minister who quit the Government earlier this year.

The Plymouth Moor View MP said: 'The painful truth is that this guy is completely right.

'Very uncomfortable with the position we Conservatives are needlessly forcing ourselves into.

'Do I fight it or stay silent? Modern Conservatism was always so much more to me. We must not lose our way.'

And an ex-England player today insisted Mings has 'very right to be angry', just as 'millions of people are across this country', over the Home Secretary's comments.

Marvin Sordell, a former England Under-21 and Watford striker, admitted racism was a 'big factor' in his retirement from the sport aged 28, as he struggled with his own mental wellbeing. He scored 68 career goals in 321 appearances.

And today, Sordell - a member of the FA's Inclusion Advisory Board - told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'He has every right to be angry, just as I am, just as I'm sure millions of people are across this country as well.

'Because there was a massive opportunity to show strong leadership at that point. And I think it was very clear at that point, it was very clear before that, that players taking the knee wasn't anything more than them trying to raise awareness for a topic that has again come up.

'There was an opportunity then to really back the players in what they're trying to do, what they're trying to achieve, the positive message that they're trying to talk about, and yet that was dismissed and people were allowed the opportunity to react negatively to something that was purely positive.'

Ms Patel has been subject to a tirade of online racist abuse since taking up the Home Secretary post.

In 2019, Gerard Traynor, 53 - a doctor's son - was jailed for calling Ms Patel a 'dirty, Indian Ugandan, black P*** n****r' in a post on her Facebook page.

In another post on the politician's page, Traynor said: 'Send dirty P*ki back in Asian countries where they belong.

'Muslim women should be banned from wearing burkha and show faces look like wailing banshee. Muslim policemen have beards like suicide bombers.'

And last year, Ms Patel's allies hit out at a BBC comedian's racially-charged jibe on Twitter about her not liking curry that incited a string of disgusting responses branding her a 'coconut'.

Guz Khan - who appears on BBC3 show Man Like Mobeen - posted a photo of Ms Patel pulling a face with the message: 'Shall we have a curry for dinner tonight Priti?'

Followers piled in with vile offensive tweets calling her a 'coconut' and said 'she's more of a coconut curry type of girl to be honest....'

The Home Secretary earlier dismissed the stance of England players in taking the knee in the fight for racial equality.

'I just don't support people participating in that type of gesture politics,' Ms Patel said in an interview with GB News.

Asked whether England fans had a right to boo their national team, she said: 'That's a choice for them quite frankly. I've not gone to a football match to even contemplate that.'

The comments from England star Mings follow on from those of Tory peer Baroness Sayeeda Warsie, who responded to Ms Patel's tweet by saying the the Government needed to 'think about our role in feeding this culture'.

She said: 'Priti - We as govt, as Conservatives, need to think about our role in feeding this culture in our country If we 'whistle' and the 'dog' reacts we cant be shocked if it barks and bites.

'It's time to stop the culture wars that are feeding division. Dog whistles win votes but destroy nations.'

Meanwhile, Downing Street defended Boris Johnson after he was accused of 'giving licence' to racist idiots who abused black England players after the Euro 2020 final.

Labour politicians and party supporter Gary Neville hit out at the Prime Minister's own record - and that of Home Secretary Priti Patel - amid widespread public revulsion at social media hatred shown towards Three Lions stars.

Mr Neville, the Manchester United star turned pundit, said the PM had promoted racism by describing Muslim women as looking like 'letterboxes' in a newspaper column before he became Tory leader.

However, the attacks prompted a hard hit back by Downing Street.

Mr Johnson's spokesman told reporters this afternoon that: 'The Prime Minister was clear that he wanted to see everyone getting behind the team to cheer them on. He made that clear on the 11th, before England's first game.'

The Prime Minister also went on the offensive last night.

Facing the nation at a Covid press conference he said: 'To those who have been directing racist abuse at some of the players I say shame on you and I hope you will crawl back under the rock from which you emerged.

'Because this entire team played like heroes and I'm sure that this is just the beginning of their achievements, and I say bring on Qatar next year, and let's also dare to start, together with Ireland, how the United Kingdom can host the World Cup in 2030.'

Both Mr Johnson and Ms Patel took to social media yesterday morning to condemn mindless social media morons who bombarded Saka, Rashford and Sancho with abuse after the Wembley heartbreak.

England boss Gareth Southgate and Prince William also went public to state the abuse was unacceptable.

But in comments that may lead to accusations of political point scoring by Tory backbenchers Ms Rayner said: 'The Prime Minister and the Home Secretary gave licence to the racists who booed the England players and are now racially abusing England players.

'Boris Johnson and Priti Patel are like arsonists complaining about a fire they poured petrol on. Total hypocrites.'

Party leader Keir Starmer later doubled down, telling reporters: 'This is about leadership, and I'm afraid the Prime Minister has failed the test of leadership because whatever he says today about racism he had a simple choice at the beginning of this tournament in relation to the booing of those who were taking the knee.'

Prior to the tournament, the Home Secretary had said she 'did not support' those engaging in 'that type of gesture politics' when asked if she supported stars taking the knee

Both Mr Johnson and Ms Patel took to social media to condemn mindless social media morons who bombarded Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho with abuse after the Wembley heartbreak.

People place messages of support on top of bin liners that were taped over offensive wording on the mural of Manchester United striker and England player Marcus Rashford on the wall of the Coffee House Cafe on Copson Street, Withington

'You are not fans. We do not want you': England captain Harry Kane joins manager Gareth Southgate's condemnation of those behind racist abuse

Harry Kane tonight sent a clear message to those behind the vile racist abuse of England stars in the wake of England's heartbreaking Euro 2020 final defeat by saying: 'We don't want you.'

The England skipper condemned the abuse aimed at Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka as 'vile', adding that the players, who were seen visibly distraught after missing penalties in the shoot-out defeat to Italy, 'deserve support and backing'.

And in a stinging message, he called out those behind the messages, saying they were 'not England fans'.

In a strongly-worded post on Twitter, the striker said: 'Three lads who were brilliant all summer had the courage to step up and take a pen when the stakes were high.

'They deserve support and backing not the vile racist abuse they've had since last night. If you abuse anyone on social media you're not an England fan and we don't want you.'

It comes as England manager Gareth Southgate this morning savaged the abuse of his players as 'unforgivable' after they were trolled by racists overnight.

He blasted mindless social media morons who bombarded Saka, Rashford and Sancho with vile slurs after the heartbreaking defeat at Wembley on Sunday.

The England boss hit out after Prince William and the Prime Minister branded the abuse unacceptable and sickening after the defeat.

Southgate said: 'I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night's match. It is totally unacceptable that players have had to endure this abhorrent behaviour. I must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable.

'For some of them to be abused is unforgivable really. I know a lot of that has come from abroad, that people who track those things have been able to explain that, but not all of it.

'It's just not what we stand for. We have been a beacon of light in bringing people together in people being able to relate to the national team, and the national team stands for everybody and so that togetherness has to continue.

'We have shown the power our country has when it does come together and has that energy and positivity together.'

Mr Neville, who backed Jeremy Corbyn at the last election, said: 'The Prime Minister said it was OK for the population of this country to boo those players who were trying to promote equality and defend against racism. It starts at the very top.'

Facebook and Instagram this morning said it had tried to remove comments and accounts directing abuse at England's footballers, but many were still visible this lunchtime.

The huge tech firm insisted: 'No one thing will fix this challenge overnight, but we're committed to keeping our community safe from abuse.'

Damian Green, a Conservative MP and member of the DCMS committee, said he believed it would be 'not too difficult' for social media platforms to do more to monitor racist comments made on their websites.

He told BBC's World at One programme: 'Their algorithms are incredibly good, and are able to target adverts at every one of their billions of users.

'I don't think it would be that difficult, for example, to check on every use of the monkey emoji, and if it's being used in an unacceptable context - as clearly it was over the past 24 hours - then take those posts down immediately and see if you can find out who the person who sent them was and get them off your platform.'

Prince William led earlier calls to stop the posts and said he was sickened by racist abuse of the England team, branding vile slurs at players 'totally unacceptable'.

The Duke of Cambridge, who was at the game on Sunday with Kate and George, called for those behind the messages to be punished.

The PM has faced accusations that he was earlier equivocal over the booing by England fans.

A few days beforehand his official spokesman declined to condemn those who booed players, only going so far as urging them to be 'respectful'.

A Tory MP was earlier forced to backtrack after a horrific own goal attack on England star Marcus Rashford over his missed Euro 2020 penalty.

Dover MP Natalie Elphicke suggested the Manchester United star should have practised spot kicks instead of campaigning for free meals for deprived schoolchildren during lockdown.

She made the remark in a Tory MP WhatsApp group after the Three Lions' Euro 2020 defeat.

Ms Rayner, Labour's deputy leader, added: 'While the country was commiserating our great team, Tory MPs were sneering at an inspirational player who stepped up to feed hungry kids when they voted to leave them without food.

'Whether it's their failure to support the vulnerable, or booing our boys after they have done our whole country proud, the Nasty Party is back.

'The question every Conservative MP needs to answer is – did they call out these appalling comments?

'And after his failure to support our players in their stance against racism, Boris Johnson must publicly condemn these disgraceful messages. Whose side is he on, the lion hearts on the pitch or the Tory MPs who attack them.'

Meanwhile, Rashford said he was left 'close to tears' after well-wishers covered graffiti sprayed on his Manchester mural with loving notes in the wake of his Euro 2020 penalty heartache.

The England star, 23, penned an emotional open letter to England fans apologising for his penalty shoot-out miss against Italy at Wembley.

The striker, who was left visibly distraught after his penalty hit the post, also paid tribute to his supportive teammates and vowed to 'come back stronger' after the heartbreaking finale to Euro 2020.

But the star - who faced a barrage of racist abuse from vile online trolls in the wake of the defeat - reserved a special thank you for those who had stepped in to restore his mural on the wall of the Coffee House Cafe in his home town of Withington.

The painted image was defaced, in what is being investigated by police as a possible 'hate crime'.

However Rashford fans quickly rushed to the site to hide the abusive messages, before placing hearts over the covering.

Marcus Rashford said he was 'close to tears' after well-wishers covered graffiti sprayed on his Manchester mural with notes of support in the wake of his Euro 2020 penalty heartache

A local resident puts love hearts and slogans on the plastic that covers offensive graffiti on the vandalised mural of Manchester United striker and England player Marcus Rashford

Formula One driver Lando Norris was 'mugged for his £40,000 watch' amid chaos after Euro 2020 final

McLaren driver Lando Norris was reportedly mugged for his £40,000 watch after England lost against Italy

Lando Norris was reportedly mugged for his £40,000 watch after England lost to Italy in the European Championship final.

Gareth Southgate's side lost on penalties to the Azzurri at Wembley on Sunday, with Formula One star Norris in attendance.

The McLaren driver was mugged after the game as he approached his £165,000 McLaren supercar, according to The Sun.

A witness told the Sun: 'Lando was held and another robber pulled off his watch in a split second. Lando looked pretty shaken up. Security had been a nightmare all night.'

Following the incident, a McLaren team spokesman said the 21-year-old was 'understandably shaken'.

It was also reported that one robber grabbed him and held him still while the other ripped off his valuable Richard Mille timepiece.

'The communities that always wrapped their arms around me continue to hold me up. I'm a 23-year-old black man from Withington and Wythenshawe, South Manchester. If I have nothing else, I have that.'

Earlier in the open letter he apologised for his penalty miss against Italy, saying 'I felt as though I'd let everyone down'.

'It's been playing over in my head over and over since and there's probably not a word to quite describe how it feels,' he said. 'Final. 55-years. 1 penalty. History. All I can say is sorry. I wish it had gone differently.'

The striker also praised his teammates, saying it was the 'best camps I've experienced' and adding that an 'unbreakable brotherhood' had been formed.

He also ended on a positive note, vowing to bounce back from the heartache, saying: 'For all the kind messages, thank you. I'll be back stronger. We'll be back stronger.'

It comes as Greater Manchester Police called the defacing of the mural a 'racially aggravated' act of vandalism.

In a statement, GMP slammed the 'racially aggravated' and 'disgraceful' damage, adding: 'Hate crime in any form is completely unacceptable and not welcome here in our city.' The force was alerted at around 2.50am this morning. No arrests have been made and inquiries are ongoing.

Chief Superintendent Paul Savill said: 'This is disgraceful behaviour and will absolutely not be tolerated. Greater Manchester prides itself on being made up from a number of diverse communities, and hate crime in any form is completely unacceptable and not welcome here in our city.

'GMP takes crimes of this nature very seriously and an investigation has been launched. If anyone has any information that could help us to identify this offender please do not hesitate to speak to police.'

Meanwhile, Harry Kane tonight sent a clear message to those behind the vile racist abuse of England stars by saying: 'We don't want you.'

The England skipper condemned the abuse as 'vile', adding that the players, who were seen visibly distraught after missing penalties in the shoot-out defeat to Italy, 'deserve support and backing'.

And in a stinging message, he called out those behind the messages, saying they were 'not England fans'.

In a strongly-worded post on Twitter, the striker said: 'Three lads who were brilliant all summer had the courage to step up and take a pen when the stakes were high.

'They deserve support and backing not the vile racist abuse they've had since last night. If you abuse anyone on social media you're not an England fan and we don't want you.'

It comes as England manager Gareth Southgate this morning savaged the abuse of his players as 'unforgivable' after they were trolled by racists overnight.

He blasted mindless social media morons who bombarded Saka, Rashford and Sancho with vile slurs.

The England boss hit out after Prince William and the Prime Minister branded the abuse unacceptable and sickening after the defeat.

'For some of them to be abused is unforgivable really. I know a lot of that has come from abroad, that people who track those things have been able to explain that, but not all of it.

'We have shown the power our country has when it does come together and has that energy and positivity together.'

By Emer Scully and Niomi Harris For Mailonline

Susanna Reid broke down in tears on Good Morning Britain today while reading a letter a nine-year-old child wrote to his idol Marcus Rashford after he was hit by a barrage of racist abuse following Sunday's Euro 2020 final.

The presenter slammed the 'hideous' racism the Manchester United star and his England teammates have suffered since their penalty misses during the match against Italy.

Susanna became emotional as she read out the letter from Dexter Rosier, a Tottenham fan from Reading, this morning.

Meanwhile, her GMB co-star Andi Peters told how 'change will come' as he shared his thoughts on the horrendous racial abuse suffered by Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka.

Rashford took to Twitter on Monday to share letters sent to him by children who hailed him their 'hero' after he was left visibly distraught when his penalty hit the post.

It comes as fans covered a mural to the footballer with notes of support following the bombardment of abuse online.

In scrawled handwriting Dexter called Rashford and his teammates 'heroes' and told how he felt 'inspired' by Rashford's political activism - which included campaigning for free school meals during lockdown last summer.

The latest in the football racism row comes as:

Tory MP's grovelling apology for criticising England ace Rashford

A Tory backbencher was forced to backtrack today after a horrific own goal attack on England star Marcus Rashford over his missed Euro 2020 penalty.

Dover MP Natalie Elphicke suggested the Manchester United star should have practised spot kicks instead of campaigning for free meals for deprived schoolchildren during lockdown.

She made the remark in a Tory MP WhatsApp group after the Three Lions' Euro 2020 defeat on penalties to Italy at Wembley last night.

Manchester United striker Rashford was one of three England players to miss in the deciding shoot-out in the Three Lions' first major final in 55 years.

In a message first revealed by GB News, Mrs Elphicke told other Tories: 'They lost - would it be ungenerous to suggest Rashford should have spent more time perfecting his game and less time playing politics.'

But today, after her comments were leaked and widely criticised she took to Twitter to heap praise on the team.

'Last night I shared the frustration and heartbreak of millions of England fans,' she said.

'The team gave their all. Congratulations and onwards to the

However Rashford fans quickly rushed to the site to hide the abusive messages, before placing hearts over the covering.

'The communities that always wrapped their arms around me continue to hold me up. I'm a 23-year-old black man from Withington and Wythenshawe, South Manchester. If I have nothing else, I have that.'

Earlier in the open letter he apologised for his penalty miss against Italy, saying 'I felt as though I'd let everyone down'.

The striker also praised his teammates, saying it was the 'best camp I've experienced' and adding that an 'unbreakable brotherhood' had been formed.

He also tackled the abuse he had faced, saying he would 'never apologise' for being himself, before ending on a positive note by vowing to bounce back from the heartache, saying: 'For all the kind messages, thank you. I'll be back stronger. We'll be back stronger.'

Greater Manchester Police called the defacing of the Rashford mural a 'racially aggravated' act of vandalism.

Manchester residents are redecorating a mural honouring England footballer Marcus Rashford with hearts and messages calling the player a 'hero' and a 'role model'

Ed Wellard, from Withington, tapes bin liners across offensive wording on the mural of Manchester United striker and England player Marcus Rashford on the wall of the Coffee House Cafe in Withington

The artwork was created by Akse, a French-born graffiti artist, in November 2020. A painting of Rashford appears alongside the phrase: 'Take pride in knowing that your struggle will play the biggest role in your purpose'.

The Football Association has condemned the 'disgusting behaviour' of a small number of mindless social media users who aimed abuse at players in the wake of England's loss to the Italians.

England manager Gareth Southgate described abuse of Rashford, Sancho and Saka as 'unforgivable' after they were targeted by racists. He spoke out after Prince William and Prime Minister Boris Johnson denounced the racist abuse.

A mural honouring England star Marcus Rashford was vandalised less than an hour after last night's Euro 2020 final defeat

Further graffiti said 'f**k Sancho' - a reference to Rashford's Three Lions teammate Jadon Sancho, who also missed a penalty in the biggest game for England since the 1966 World Cup

Rashford reacts after hitting the post in their team's third penalty in a penalty shoot-out

Southgate left little doubt of his feelings towards so-called supporters who had fired racist remarks at his team. He said: 'It's just not what we stand for. We have been a beacon of light in bringing people together in people being able to relate to the national team, and the national team stands for everybody and so that togetherness has to continue.

'We have shown the power our country has when it does come together and has that energy and positivity together. It's my decision who takes the penalties, it's not a case of players not volunteering or more experienced players backing out.'

The Duke of Cambridge said he was 'sickened' by the racist abuse and called vile slurs at players 'totally unacceptable'.

William, who was at the game with his wife Kate Middleton and their seven-year-old son Prince George, called for those behind the messages to be punished.

In a statement, the duke said: 'I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night's match. It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour. It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable.'

It came as Savills estate agent launched an investigation after claims a member of staff had been behind one of the messages. A spokesperson said: 'Savills abhors and has zero tolerance to any form of racism and racial discrimination and is appalled by the racist comments in these tweets.

'Savills is immediately investigating and will take appropriate action.'

Mr Johnson echoed the Football Association's condemnation of those attacking the players after the team lost to Italy. He said: 'This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media. Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves.

Wording on the vandalised mural of Manchester United striker and England player Marcus Rashford

The mural on the wall of the Coffee House Cafe in Withington, south Manchester, was defaced with derogatory comments about Rashford including the words 'sh**e' and 'b*****d'

Estate agents Savills said it was investigating if a member of staff posted a vile tweet aimed at the England players

The Metropolitan Police confirmed they will be investigating the abuse

Home Secretary Priti Patel also headed up figures slamming the racists.

She said: 'Players who have given so much for our country this summer have been subject to vile racist abuse on social media. It has no place in our country and I back the police to hold those responsible accountable.'

It came as police began hunting the racists behind some of the vile social media posts.

The horrific comments have led to the FA condemning its racist fans and saying they are not 'welcome in following in the team' and the Metropolitan Police has confirmed its officers will be investigating.

While thousands rallied to support the players, especially Saka, who lit up the tournament for England at the age of just 19.

Calling on those behind the abuse to face arrest and prosecution, one fan said: 'I'll take these three Englishmen over any racist-moron-fake-fan every day of the week and twice on a Sunday'.

Another wrote: 'I stand with Rashford. I stand with Sancho. I stand with Saka. I stand with a whole team of brilliant men who made us all proud & represent the best this country has to offer I reject everything about the Racists & Shape Shifters who represent the worst'.

Racist social media users instantly took to the accounts of the three black players who missed penalties in last night's clash against Italy.

The players' Instagram and Twitter feeds were subjected to a barrage of racist imagery as well as written comments packed with horrifying slurs.

In response to the deluge of racist comments and FA spokesman made it clear that racists are not wanted in football.

Nineteen-year-old Bukayo Saka is inconsolable after failing to score his penalty kick and handing victory to the Italians

Nineteen-year-old Saka was consoled by Gareth Southgate as penalties came back to haunt the manager who missed his spot kick as a player at the semi-finals of Euro 1996

A spokesman said: 'The FA strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and is appalled by the online racism that has been aimed at some of our England players on social media.

'We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behaviour is not welcome in following the team. We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible.

'We will continue to do everything we can to stamp discrimination out of the game, but we implore government to act quickly and bring in the appropriate legislation so this abuse has real life consequences.

'Social media companies need to step up and take accountability and action to ban abusers from their platforms, gather evidence that can lead to prosecution and support making their platforms free from this type of abhorrent abuse.'

And the Metropolitan Police confirmed they will be investigating the abuse and said: 'We are aware of a number of offensive and racist social media comments being directed towards footballers following the #Euro2020 final.

'This abuse is totally unacceptable, it will not be tolerated and it will be investigated.'

England players have taken the knee to support anti-racism drives throughout the tournament, a move that has drawn vocal criticism and boos from a section of their support.

In turn the FA and senior players have attacked the boo-boys in the stands, stating their actions are precisely why the team feels a need to make a stand against racism. England lost the penalty shootout 3-2 after the match finished 1-1 after extra time.

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