England isn’t perfect.
It never has been, we only have to delve into the many chapters of its history to see the imperfections of a land that has always been ruled by Tax and Service of its people.
A ferocious and despicable land that has always invited war, battle, poverty, disease and unrest. Whether that be religion, monastery or civilisation.
Englands history is devoted to the macabre.
So why do we seek such perfection from our national football team.
I’m laughing at myself writing this, but it’s so true. In Italy a scampering 1-0 victory with a dodgy penalty decision is celebrated as a triumph, in Germany victory however it comes is a song and dance, in other parts of the world I’m sure they’d even buy a win if they could.
So why, myself included do we look for perfection of Harry Kane in front of goal, pure dynamics from our midfield and defence splitting passes from Pickford every time he has the ball at his feet. Dare we speak of the public service announcement from Lineker & Shearer demeaning the national team as “shit” mid tournament.
Harry and co. have come in for some harsh criticism
With 4-points and the real possibility of topping the group on 7 this could be the start of something special for Southgate’s men.
Maybe this is a chance for England team to hark back to Euro 2020 when a nation was united in football having escaped incarceration from its own government.
Maybe this is the opportunity for Harry Kane to rally togetherness, us and them mentality and the folklore of English traditions.
Maybe tonight as the pubs begin to swell with lager and gourmet burgers and Chainmail’d supporters arrive in Köln…maybe tonight we can sing our hearts out to “God Save the King” when our team need us most and actually begin to dream of placing a silver’d cup into the cupboards at Wembley.
Imagine. It starts tonight against Slovenia.
England fans generate great atmospheres at tournament football
So I’ll sign off this post by saying one more rally call to the supporters of the national team. We celebrate the outlaws of the this country, the men and women who stood up to the status-quo, who embraced change and gave to the people in need.
Robin Hood who we all cherished and loved as children was an Englishman of this spirit. Let’s see if we can count upon the same spirit for our players wearing the three lions in Germany.
It’s about bringing home the silverware, by crook, by cunning, by guise or by robbing it blind in front of the oppositions noses.
I jest…
Come on England!!!
English Folklore and celebrated character of Robin Hood
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