I did, of course, watch England's match. I also admit that read about 50 pages of a novel during its course. I was not glued to the screen in what proved to be a disappointing performance after a glorious first half. I think I was hiding from an outcome that seemed pretty inevitable, and probably justified, from the interval onwards.
But that still left the best England performance for decades. I was disappointed the players took their medals off so quickly. They should have acknowledged just what an achievement this was.
And yes, I feared for the players who did not score penalties and immediately imagined the racist abuse it is apparent they now have had. I am ashamed of those who have been abusive, as I am ashamed of the vandalism and rioting by supposed English fans.
I am ashamed that the Met, which could turn out in force to wrestle women to the ground when they were at a vigil in March but could not turn up to police Wembley or Leicester Square appropriately. I would like to know why.
I was as ashamed of the mass Covid spreading event that the final was - which will surely have sent the wrong political and behavioural messages on managing the massive threat we now face. If in the months to come we face an NHS crisis let no one say that this was not chosen.
I am ashamed by Johnson's shameless adoption of football as if Southgate's vision of inclusiveness has anything remotely to do with him.
But let's talk positives.
This team played better than anyone dared hope.
It had a manager better than anyone thought possible.
It was made up of players who chose to represent England. At least half the squad, including the captain, could have represented other countries. It represented inclusivity by choice.
It took a stand by taking a knee, wearing a rainbow armband, condemning the booing and recognising that only together could they succeed.
I like the fact that the team genuinely seem to like each other, although Pickford hides it will when any defender lets someone through towards goal.
I admire the respect the manager obviously has for his players.
To put it simply. Football got this about as right as it could. The fans didn't. The Met didn't. The government definitely did not. But football did. That's some achievement, well worth respecting.
I salute a really good achievement.
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Fair enough – we noted too how quickly some of the England players took their runners up medals off – it seemed a bit petulant to be honest. Penalties are a lottery – the great leveller.
Having said that, those young players who took them can only get better at it.
I totally agree with your comments about the Met.
Other than that all I can say is that I do really do not like to see countries with proto fascist of fascist Governments winning major sporting championships. Sorry.
More importantly why can millions of pounds be spent harassing refugees fleeing persecution but all we get against the creatures that, boo other nations national anthems, ridicule and abuse young girls, racially abuse non white English players, is a condemnation by or publicity seeking blond incompetent?
Well said.
#Footballs gone to Rome, gone to Rome …#
I really hope that dirge is finally buried and never sees the light of day again & puts any more coins into its owners pockets.
Southgate made just that one error — bringing on two youngsters who had not even touched the ball to take penalties and taking off the Liverpool captain who would have handled pressure better.
At least one Italian should have been sent off.
Besides from that it was a good hard game as any final should be and could have gone either way till the very end.
Loved the formation knee taking btw – quick and spectacular, like a response to the Haka! Hope it is adopted widely in the new season – time to ‘kick it out’ completely this season as the primary goal and take on the racists of Europe too at every game.
Agree with your analysis but I think the consequences of racial abuse are plain to see, especially in the effect it has on young black players.
Racial abuse has been there throughout the tournament, targeted, systematic and deliberate. The racists both win and lose here because the extra pressure their abuse has on the black players, faced with taking a penalty in a major final, must cause doubt in their minds as they prepare to take the kick. They fail because they are black, they don’t have the passion or loyalty of white players, it’s not their country…etc.
Is it really just a coincidence that it was three black players who missed? Social media then goes into full destruct mode to condemn them.
Fans play a huge part in the confidence in player performance I think it is palpable and felt on the pitch, professional or not they are human, perhaps too much is expected of them when they have the nations glory resting on their young shoulders in the knowledge they will face the wrath of hateful fans if they fail.
Thank you. I am so pleased you wrote this, but also …
The urgency of the climate issue is more important than anything else.
Starvation in Tigre, Eritrea and Yemen matters … but international sport DOES NOT MATTER.
Inequality within and between nations matters … holidays and entertainment DO NOT MATTER.
Droughts and floods matter – wherever in the world they occur.
Loss of food security could well be the soonest of enormous tragedies that will hit us.
It is time to stop all joy-rides into space — and all aviation that is not for something that matters.
For at least the next ten years, private motoring should only be for things that matter.
There are more bedrooms per person in the UK than there have ever been, yet millions are deprived and exploited by a manufactured ‘housing crisis’. Construction is hugely energy intensive. Existing housing needs to be distributed much more fairly. Even in the UK, coastal communities will lose houses to the sea before long. The dispossessed will need accommodation.
Deprived nations need more construction. Wealthy ones need to make much better use of the buildings, vehicles and other property that already exist.
In WW2, vehicles and property were requisitioned. Fuel, food and much else was rationed. That is what is needed now. For instance, energy rationing by Tradable Energy Quotas (TEQs) would focus massive attention on the need to consume more responsibly.
Almost all national advertising should be prohibited and local advertising strictly controlled.
Just as important, our screens should display people taking action about things that matter.
Newspapers need to tell the truth about the ecological disasters that are occurring and about the climate calamities that are heading towards us. Publicity is essential about actions and measures that are necessary for the wellbeing of younger people – say, those under 70.
Sorry Joe, but I have to disagree
Un less people are taken with climate change it wil;l not happen – and then it will be too late
So, yes, international sport does matter
I know climate change matters – but do not go down the French route of imposing it without consent – because that is a disaster