England may have lost the final, but our prize is more than a mere trophy.
The tears gush like waterfalls down some faces as others take the loss more stoically but no less difficult. Once again, England failed to bring it home as the team were knocked out by Spain agonisingly close to the end of the game. But to everyone who is upset, whether you feel anger, sorrow or despair, let me try to lift your spirits and say chin up. Chin up, because we have a lot to be proud of and have won more than we think.
The England Lions’ progress
Blinding frustration. That’s how I felt after watching the England v Denmark game. The England v Serbia game before it had started off well but after our first goal, I felt we less dropped ball and more kicked it away, if you’ll pardon the pun. When it came then to watching the England v Denmark game, I could only watch on exasperated as mistakes were made, the game plan was conducted poorly and we won by the skin of our teeth – again. Then the election campaign heated up and my priorities changed.
And yet, when the 5th of July rolled around and I could enjoy all the things I missed from campaigning, something weird happened. I awoke from what felt like a daydream of negativity to the cold, hard and brilliant reality that, actually, we were in the finals. Again. The Three Lions had made it to the UEFA final. I remember the last time we made it that far, three years ago against Italy. I remember it well, what little I saw of it.
Our Defeat
I went into the game knowing we would lose, predicting our defeat. What hurt the most was when England scored that goal. Not the goal itself, I was delighted by it. But hurt by the hope when it was snatched away by Spain in those final, harrowing minutes. Perhaps the words of a friend rang true that evening, “if you think it will happen, it will”.
The loss was a great shame, but I am so proud of the team who got us to the finals and nearly brought football home again. Proud of Gareth Southgate, a man who’s position I thought was untenable until we reached the finals. He really should not have resigned. We have made it more than once more to the brink; we must never forget how capable we have shown ourselves to be.
Community spirit
The flags and songs. The food and drink. The great times with friends. Is this not what it’s really all about? Sitting around a pub table with friends, laughing and joking, sharing in the excitement of victory or the pain of loss as we watch the match unfold on the TV? Coming together across England to support our three lions, regardless of our politics or local football allegiances or whatever silly issues might cause us to divide. None of the tribal, trivial things matter as everyone unites to cheer on the national team, a nationwide friendship forged in sport.
That, for me, is what football is all about. That is the real prize. Yes, I was upset by the loss, I walked home crestfallen. I was upset when the penalties turned against us during our finals match with Italy all those years ago. I remember that miss so well, standing at my place of work and seeing it all come crashing down. But the pain lasted barely a full day as when all is said and done, it’s only a game. Our boys did well. And the prize we won in coming together was far more valuable than any mere cup.
The wonderful times
Years from now, when I think back to these moments, I won’t remember who England beat narrowly. I won’t remember who beat us. Hardly anyone will. I will remember the wonderful times that were had watching the games.
I will remember being sat there with friends of all kinds of differing opinions but friends nonetheless, friends come together to support England. The wonderful memories made I will remember. Those are my prizes, far superior to any medal, cup or trophy. So chin up England , we reached a fantastic second position and won fond memories to last us the rest of our days. We should be proud of all that.
