Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Kosovo fans wave England flags as God Save The Queen was played

Kosovo fans sure know how to show gratitude. They held up English flags during the national anthem in an emotional display of unity before Sunday's Euro 2020 qualifier. As God Save The Queen began in Pristina, the packed Fadil Vokrri Stadium held up England flags with various placards thanking the English. 

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Euro 2020 Qualifiers: England vs Kosovo; a small backstory

The armed conflict of 1998 between Yugoslavia and the Kosovo Liberation Army saw many civilians killed after a diplomatic solution failed. That saw Britain, as part of the international NATO alliance, take part in the controversial aerial bombardment of Yugoslavia before the war ended in June 1999. When Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008, the United Kingdom became one of the first countries to announce the official recognition of a sovereign Kosovo on 18 February 2008. 

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Euro 2020 Qualifiers: England vs Kosovo; a sweet gesture by Kosovo fans

In the days leading up to the match, Kosovo had already demonstrated their gratitude by filling their streets with 'Welcome and Respect' banners featuring the English flag. Kosovo fans continued their welcoming gestures towards the England team and their supporters by holding up the St George's flag before the start of the match between the two nations. As the England national anthem rang around the Fadil Vokrri Stadium, many Kosovo fans were seen holding the England flag aloft as a mark of respect. A 'Welcome & Respect' banner was also being shown behind the goal, while they also chanted players' names in Pristina.

It was a truly heartwarming and lovely gesture from the Kosovo fans, who will have surely earned the respect of the English and the global footballing community alike.

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Euro 2020 Qualifiers: England vs Kosovo

The match ended at 4-0 to England with Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Harry Winks and Mason Mount all getting on the scoresheet. And despite the Euro 2020 dreams were over for Kosovo, their kind gesture sure brought a smile on the faces of everyone who watches and adores the game.

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