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Ex- England coach Sir Gareth Southgate has declared he is "worried about unity" amid an continuing debate about displaying the St George's flag.

In recent months, a increasing number of St George's and union jack flags have appeared throughout England.

Although some people view the flag display as nationalistic, others find it threatening.

Southgate, who served eight years in charge of the England team, resigned as coach following a European Championship final defeat to Spain.

Though he didn't secure trophies with England, he is widely recognised for bringing together the country in support of the England team and has now written a book called Dear England: Lessons in Leadership.

This Flag Discussion

During a recent television appearance, host Jon Kay questioned Southgate for his opinion on the flags debate, saying: "Certain individuals are proud of them. Others are questioning the display of them in specific circumstances. What do you feel of that flag discussion in the context of what you think about patriotism?"

Southgate responded: "I worry about unity. I've witnessed what we did with the team [England] to bring together all communities."

"I do think there's more that unites us all than divides us. We should attempt and focus increasingly on what unites us together than what separates us."

Recent Events and Reactions

Former England player and Salford City part-owner Gary Neville lately criticised the "unfavorable" showing of the St George's flag and stated he had instructed the taking down of a flag from a construction site that he has financial interest in.

Salford City's League Two match against Oldham Athletic was postponed subsequently when two field intruders attempted to place a St George's flag inside the center of the field at the Peninsula Stadium.

Far-right group Britain First claimed responsibility for the incident, saying they "teamed up with Salford nationalists" to protest against the "treachery of Gary Neville."

Southgate's Perspective on Togetherness

"At any time there will always be a degree of division under the surface," stated Southgate.

"Living is financially difficult for many people so I understand why people are disaffected."

"The pandemic was a good instance where people ran errands for their neighbours, they rallied round one another, that's what UK character is all about."

Southgate's Personal Experience

Southgate, who was appointed England manager in November 2016 following an interim period, gained 57 caps for the Three Lions during his time as a player.

The closest the player got to silverware with the England team as a player was in 1996, when he failed to score a penalty in a semi-final shootout defeat to Germany at Wembley.

Questioned about the significance of not succeeding, Southgate stated: "It is one of the certainties of life that things are going to not work out for you. What I discovered from 1996 is that I failed to execute a skill when it mattered and that I needed to be more ready."

"As I went to bed that evening I remember thinking: 'I don't know how I'll ever recover from this.'"

"The entire nation was on this carnival of soccer in 1996 and heading to the championship match, and I was accountable for us being eliminated."

"However you step outside the home the next day and gradually get over it. Individuals weren't shy of bringing it up about it when I played at rival stadiums but there's always a path through these things and you have to find that strength to come through it."