A West Midlands artist has painted a mural in tribute to Gareth Southgate, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling ahead of England’s Euro 2020 final today.
The creation by street artist N4T4 (Nathan Parker) has appeared on a wall in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, which is the venue for a major urban arts festival in August.
James Bennett who is one of the festival organisers, is trying to promote Nuneaton as a street art destination in the West Midlands.
He draws his inspiration from the colourful streets found 25 miles away in the Birmingham district of Digbeth.
The mural is not even one-third complete but has already enticed hundreds of people along to have a selfie with Gareth Southgate, Birmingham Live reported.
He did so at the request of Kate and Paul Williams, who live on the property immediately above the wall.
“We wanted to do something to get into the spirit of it all,” said Kate. “The response so far has been phenomenal.”
It’s also achieving more than just putting smiles on faces. The #ThreeLionsonawall project is raising funds to purchase a defibrillator, which will, in turn, be donated to a local sports club.
“It’s because of what happened with Christian Eriksen,” said Paul. “If we can raise enough money to buy one, and it goes on to save a life, then it just makes it even more special,” the source said quoting the couple.
James added: “We were hoping that people would come down and see it, and take photos by it, and that’s exactly what’s happened.
“It’s a beautiful piece and it has been lovely to see people taking selfies by it, and getting excited about the match.
“It’s a dream come true for me. Can’t believe England have got there and to get Nath to do this is so special – a lovely piece of artwork and I’m buzzing that it’s in Nuneaton.”
The one-day Urban Art Festival on Saturday 14 August takes place at the Griff and Coton Sports Club, near the town’s George Eliot Hospital, and NHS and other key workers are being invited along to the event which is set to attract 30 street artists.
