Northern Ireland v Slovakia

THANK YOU TO OUR NHS STAFF, CARERS, EMERGENCY SERVICES, SHOP WORKERS, DELIVERY DRIVERS AND EVERYONE ELSE KEEPING US SAFE AND WELL AT THIS TIME

The ‘virtual’ mascots for tonight’s Euro 2020 Path B Play-Off Final against Slovakia are all children of key workers who have been caring for people, helping the needy and keeping essential services ticking over throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. The mascots have all been nominated by members of the Green and White Army. At least one person within their family is a key worker, from NHS staff to schoolteachers, mechanics to supermarket staff, police to delivery drivers. And their parents have been working tirelessly since March. Nominations came in from mums and dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends and neighbours showing pride in how their young people have coped during such a challenging time. In the run-up to tonight’s match each mascot received a letter from Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough. This is what he wrote: “I wanted to pass on my personal thanks to you for being a virtual mascot for the Euro 2020 Play-Off Final against Slovakia. “This is only the second time we have had virtual mascots and I am very grateful that you have taken on the job - and myself and the entire team are happy to share this historic experience with you, especially ahead of such a massive game. “Being a mascot is, of course, a very important role and one which I know you are very capable of carrying out. “Finally, a big thank you to you and your family for all that you have done during the last number of months. We are all very grateful to you.”

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