Mayor teams up with Jewish artist to pay tribute to Southgate’s England heroes

A mural honouring the England manager and team has been unveiled by Sadiq Khan after an initiative by a street art company founded by a former Jewish News executive.

The artwork featuring Gareth Southgate and two of the many heroes of England’s Euro 2020 squad, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, has been painted at Vinegar Yard close to City Hall and the Shard.

Artists from MurWalls worked until just before midnight last night to complete the permanent piece, organised in partnership with the Mayor’s office. Supported by Jewish News’ Justin Cohen, conversations with City Hall began before the defeat of Germany, with murals expecting to pop up across the host city if Southgate’s side had brought football home.

Khan said: “What an amazing month the England team have given us during the EURO2020 tournament. The murals created by MurWalls unveiled today are a wonderful celebration of a team that have inspired and united our nation in our time of need. I encourage as many people as possible to take a look and get out and about in our wonderful capital this summer.”

Marc Silver, founder of MurWalls who previously worked as a production editor at the Jewish News, added: “Football may not quite have come home but pride in our national team certainly did – and that’s in no small part down to the leadership of Gareth Southgate. On and off the field, he and his players are true role models for young Londoners and we’re delighted to be working with the Mayor to celebrate their historic achievement on home turf. We look forward to honouring them going one better next year!”

Neil Benson, of Vinegar Yard, said: “It’s been amazing seeing fans and friends get together again at Vinegar Yard and support the England team in the Euros. We’re proud to have these murals on display here.”

MurWalls – which was founded in late 2019 to create large street art murals as well as bringing licensed street art into people’s homes – are set to unveil a tribute to Dame Vera Lynn this week in east London where she grew up.