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“The prime minister respects the rights of all people to peacefully protest and make their feelings known about injustices," Johnson's spokesperson said.

"If you don’t like it then you’re part of the problem because all they’re doing is standing up for equality. And if you don’t want equality then just say so."

England’s eventful clash against Argentina at France 98 provided two top 20 moments including David Beckham’s infamous red card, as well as Michael Owen’s incredible solo strike.

“They’ve seized upon anything like this, thinking that appeals to what they imagine is their base. He’s not really a football fan anyway, I think."

Campaigners highlighted the team's diversity after fans booed players taking the knee in Middlesbrough on Wednesday night.

The 23-year-old said he had received “at least 70 racial slurs” in the wake of United’s penalty shootout loss to Villarreal on Wednesday night.

The three men were each accused of two counts of doing acts tending and intended to pervert the course of justice.

"Ed came back to the clubs to say they had got the green light from No 10," a source said.

“There's such a community feel about this level, the players are basically your mates. During a game the other week our centre-back came past and asked if I was coming to the pub afterwards.”