I’ve written here before about my passion for the England (men’s) football team. I spoke of how moved I was by Gareth Southgate and his players in their valiant and oh-so-close attempts to end the ‘years of hurt’. There was something special about Southgate’s era as manager. He systematically dismantled and rebuilt the England team, while breathing new life and professionalism through the musty corridors of the Football Association.
A quiet belief radiated from that manager and spread to the players, transforming not only the quality and style of football but every aspect of that squad’s approach to ‘the beautiful game’. There was a spirit of joy and togetherness, along with a connection to the fans that surely transcended the rather laboured renditions of Wonderwall by those currently wearing the shirts.
Yet Gareth could not quite get England over the line to win a major trophy. The FA therefore concluded that what was needed was a dose of Teutonic efficiency. Quite apart from the fact that this has not yet worked, and is unlikely to if similar tactical decisions to those made in the semi-final are repeated, it has also left me rather cold. Something seems to have been lost in the translation from the quiet dignity of an English gentleman to the rabid intensity of a German super-coach. The warmth and optimism of the previous regime appear to have given way to a sullen edginess that is difficult to enjoy or comprehend. I find little pleasure in watching Thomas Tuchel flying around the technical area like a deranged bat in perpetual fury, or hearing the sulky and irritable post-match observations of Jude Bellingham.
‘And so, where do you go from here?’ sang the Houghton Weavers back in the mid-1970s (is it only me that remembers that song?!). If not now, when? If this talented generation cannot add a trophy to display at St George’s Park alongside those garnered by the women’s team, how ever and whenever will that day finally come?
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