The Night Football Came Home

Apologies for being away, I was busy.

So. We are out. Despite that - it doesn’t feel like a defeat. A glorious failure perhaps, but not a defeat.

The boys went out there and overachieved. We were meant to get out of the group, sure, but the rest? A bonus without doubt. Semi Finals? Fuck off man.

As with our beloved Bolton Wanderers, it’s always the hope that kills you. As a parent, I’ve loved every minute of how this World Cup has had my eldest invested in every single moment. She’s been to Wanderers a few times, but only so she can rinse me for sweets and Fruit Shoots - I bet the next time she’ll be miles more interested in the game.

Surely the greatest disappointment comes from knowing just how incredible the celebrations would have been. We’ve all seen the videos and the memes. It has been the most amazing three weeks - the country has become united (whilst the government falls to bits) in football. Just like back in ‘96 people have remembered who Frank Skinner is. Shame on you all for forgetting just how good the Lightning Seeds could be.

That said, I wish Kane had passed to Sterling before he shot in the first half.

So what does this mean for the country going forward?

It’s no guarantee of success, but speaking as someone who was England-phobic for many a year, isn’t it refreshing to see a team largely devoid of wankers - Jordan Henderson aside. It didn’t really take much for people to push aside their club rivalries to unite behind the flag.

Euro 2020 isn’t far away and it’s disparate hosting system should hopefully allow for some exciting fixtures in far flung destinations. I, for one, will be looking for an even more youthful England side to step up and take it to the next level.

Come on you Whites, in-fuckin-deed.