England Manager Gareth Southgate Gave England Squad Hand-Written Letters Before World Cup

So what else can this man do that would make him any more of a LAD? We suppose he could give each and every player a handwritten letter. Oh, wait, he already has.

And we don't just mean the players - we mean all the staff as well. Take Jim Lucas for example, who is England's social media officer - and who found a handwritten note in his room.

Someone chopping onions in here or what? Stop it, Gareth.

Southgate was appointed as England manager two years ago and transformed the national team to such an extent they went from suffering a humiliating loss against Iceland in Euro 2016 to their first semi-final for 28 years in this World Cup.

And even though it might be the boss's first World Cup in charge of the team, it doesn't look like he's a newbie to an affectionate letter.

Fans took to Twitter to post letters that Southgate sent to his supporters after he missed a penalty for England at Euro 1996 - he thanked each for their backing

The caption attached to the picture read: "Didn't think I could love Southgate more than I do but finding out he replied to my mums letter 5 months after that miss shows how genuine the guy is"

Another fan, who's wife received a letter, said: "Just to show what a top bloke Southgate is. Missus' letter to him in '96 got this reply. Wonderful".

Well, if that isn't one way to get the nation behind you we're not sure what is. Hats off to you, Mr Southgate.