Volgograd statue – why was The Motherland Calls figure erected and what did Gareth Southgate say at the 2018 World Cup?

THE Motherland Calls is a titanic statue commemorating Russians who died in the Battle of Stalingrad in WW2.

The structure depicting a sword-wielding woman which overlooks the city now known as Volgograd is the tallest statue in Europe — and was a focal point for England fans in the city for the World Cup.

What is The Motherland Calls?

The Motherland Calls was built between May and October 1967 — 25 years since the bloody Battle Of Stalingrad.

Almost two million people lost their lives during the six-month siege of the city.

It was designed by sculptor Yevgeny Vuchetich and engineer Nikolai Nikitin.

Built to 85 metres tall, it shows the figure of a woman lunging forward brandishing a raised sword.

The woman symbolises the Russian "Motherland" calling on her sons and daughters to defend her against the enemy.

What did England manager Gareth Southgate say about the statue?

Gareth Southgate spoke about his time in the city ahead of England's World Cup 2018 opener against Tunisia.

He said that staying in historic Volgograd reminded some things are "even bigger than football."

"We're aware of the history of the city, the importance of that battle in the Second World War," Southgate said.

"It's something that is in the past, but you respect the people who lost their lives who fought together.

"There's a lot of talk about relationships between our country and Russia, but the history there is very strong from that period.

"To see the statue and have an understanding of the history reminds you that some things are even bigger than football. That's good for us all."