By hook or by crook.
England are not good enough to win this football competition, they’ve shown in their previous group games with all the hallmarks of a side struggling for energy, creativity and inspiration.
And this stems from many angles.
An out of ideas, tactics and nouse manger in Gareth Southgate has, we all agree brought the very best out of this set of players. He’s nurtured, he’s spirited and he’s gee’d us to a new euphoria of England support.
He even managed to indulge the bookies by making us tournament favourites amongst Les Bleus.
But this tournament its appears we have exhausted all avenues of this Southgate reign, he appears tired, the players appear tired and the tactics are somewhere left behind in 2020, or was it 2021. So long the Southgate tenure it all rolls into a tournament haze of nearly men.
Nearly men…or destined for triumph
Though harsh, these words highlight notable moments like our World Cup semi-final exit and the infamous Euro final debacle at Wembley. A scene of grown men scampering and whimpering for a glimpse of Jordan Henderson, Bulldozing disability entrance’s without payment or other.
Ahhhh the Euros.
Enough to drive grown men and women to brink of despair, and with Wimbledon currently fluffing its peacock’d feathers…isn’t it only 22 blokes running around after a leather ball anyway?
It’s more isn’t it.
It’s those treasures memories of kicking the football up and down the street, against walls into hedgerows or over the neighbours garden.
It’s about going down the pub in the latest jersey from China and being amongst your mates, the locals, your children.
It’s the painting of St George on your cheek and draping a flag around your shoulders or sticking it out of your cars antennae.
It’s about the lads and lasses in Germany, drinking fine beer and eating bratwurst, living for the moment and singing “It’s Coming Home” amongst other delectable sing-songs.
It’s more isn’t it.
Kick around in the street
A sporting event that captures the imagination, captures the mood and gives us all chance to don the Three Lions and rediscover passion for the land that has raised us. As quoted by an Italian General “Sometimes maybe good, sometimes maybe shit” it’s home and always has been.
So…as long as this England team strides or withers to the finish line surely there’s still a glimmer of a chance. We have the players, they all look like great football players at their respective clubs, they can all do the things Wirtz, Yamal and Guler can do for breakfast.
So let’s give it a crack as we say in England, give it a go, have a shot at it and do our best to bring this silver trophy home.
By hook or by crook.
Henri Delaunay- retired as a referee following an incident during a match between AF Garenne-Doves and ES Benevolence, when he swallowed his whistle and broke two teeth on being struck full in the face by the ball.
Written by @alexhowardwrites or @ alexleboxe on Twitter (X)
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