England footballer Tyrone Mings defends taking the knee following criticism from UK Home Secretary Priti Patel

England footballer Tyrone Mings defended taking the knee before games after UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said she does not support the gesture. 

Aston Villa defender Mings responded to Patel's rejection of the anti-racism protest which has been booed by some sections of England fans.

Patel described the act as "gesture politics" and said it was people's "choice" whether to support the stance taken by the players or boo it. 

Mings said on Tuesday: "The home secretary is one of many many people that oppose us taking the knee or refuses to defend it. We have our own set of beliefs."  

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and England manager Gareth Southgate have publicly supported the gesture against racism and discrimination, which is often associated with the Black lives Matter movement. 

Before England’s game against Croatia on Sunday, players went down on one knee and were met with booing following by loud applause by fans. 

The team says it will continue to take the knee before Euro 2020 matches. 

Mings added: “We think about what we can do to help and there will be players that can be influential and can stand up for what we believe in.”