Singing For England

It’s a momentous day. For the first time in 55 years, the England men’s football team are playing in the final of a major competition. It’s both nerve wracking and exciting. The build up has been immense; it’s impossible to avoid the topic on television or radio. Pick up any national or local newspaper and it’s probably on the front page somewhere. And the top 40 charts are singing for England, with the ‘Three Lions‘ anthem currently sitting at number 4.

España 1982

España 1982 is the first international tournament I have any (however vague) memories of. It was Diego Maradona’s first World Cup. Other enduring names include the Brazilian star, Sócrates, who captained his team. Michel Platini, France’s creative midfielder. Bryan Robson, later to be known as Captain Marvel, who scored one of the quickest World Cup goals in history (27 seconds against France in England’s first group match). And Paolo Rossi of Italy, who won the Golden Boot for top scorer, Golden Ball for best player, and a winner’s medal during the competition. The final was played between Italy (3) and West Germany (1) (West Germany became the German team after Italia 1990 following the reunification of East and West Germany).

Mexico 1986

While my memories of 1982 are vague, I recall Mexico 1986 which much greater clarity. This was thought to be where the Mexican Wave was first seen on the international stage. It was Canada’s first World Cup. England’s Gary Lineker won the Golden Boot with 6 goals. Diego Maradona scored with the infamous handball against England in the quarter-final. Though he should be remembered for his incredible football skills (demonstrated in his second goal 4 minutes later). England lost 2-1, although Gary Lineker came painfully close to equalising with minutes left to go. I recall my devastation at the result; the last chance to see my footballing heroes in action in the competition. Argentina beat West Germany 3-2 in the final.

1990s

England’s qualification for the 1990 World Cup is perhaps best remembered for the photographs of Terry Butcher after the group match against Sweden in October 1989. With an injury which would have ended his match these days, he played on with a significant head wound. Sustained shortly before half time, the gash was so large that the medical team didn’t have a chance to stitch it completely during the break. The game continued, and ended in a draw. Which was crucial to England’s qualification for the competition.

And so they went to Italy 1990. I remember this World Cup competition for David Platt’s last minute goal against Belgium in the quarter-final. You may recognise part of the commentary from the Three Lions song! England were eventually knocked out on penalties by West Germany in the semi-finals. A match remembered for Paul Gascoigne’s heart on sleeve reaction to receiving a yellow card which would have ruled him out of the final had England made it.

Sometime in the mid 1990s, I queued for the opening of Burger King, Leamington Spa. The event was attended by a special guest, Aston Villa footballer Gareth Southgate. I didn’t want a burger. I wanted an autograph. Ironically, the Burger King England squad photo didn’t include Southgate. But I got the autograph I wanted, a chance to chat, and – a bonus – a signed football. I asked Gareth what he enjoyed when not playing football. In the unassuming manner we’ve all come to recognise, he told me that he and his girlfriend (farewell to my visions of dating a footballer) liked going to the cinema.

Back Row (l-r): David Batty, Graeme Le Saux, Steve McManaman, Neil Ruddock, Steve Howey, Jamie Redknapp, Stuart Pearce, Gary Neville

Centre Row (l-r): Ted Buxton (Chief Scout), David Butler (Physio), Bryan Robson (Coach), Robert Lee, David Seaman, Tony Adams, Tim Flowers, Teddy Sheringham, Dr. John Crane (Team Doctor), Mike Kelly (Goalkeeping Coach), Alan Smith (Physio)

Front Row (l-r): Terry Venables (Head Coach), John Salako, Dennis Wise, Peter Beardsley, Alan Shearer, Paul Gascoigne, Rob Jones, Nick Barmby, John Barnes, Don Howe (Coach)

Other 1990s memories include beer gardens for Euro 1996. England’s 4-1 defeat of the Dutch is one of the best matches I remember them playing. And Paul Gascoigne’s incredible goal against Scotland, followed by the dentist’s chair celebration. Stuart Pearce’s reaction after scoring in the quarter-final penalty shoot out against Spain. (Pearce had missed the crucial spot kick against West Germany in 1990). England were a joy to watch, right up until their semi-final penalty knockout by Germany. The Germans went on to win the tournament with a Golden Goal against the Czech Republic.

I lived with my grandparents during the France 1998 World Cup, which I remember particularly for teenage Michael Owen’s wonder goal against Argentina in the quarter-finals. This match is also remembered for Beckham’s petulance leading to him being sent off. Beckham subsequently bore the brunt of English outrage as England returned home empty-handed. But he later captained the national team and secured his place as one of England’s iconic midfielders.

2000s

In October 2001, David Beckham (now captain) scored a 93rd minute free kick against Greece, to secure England’s place at the 2002 World Cup. I was watching in a pub with one of my sisters, and the entire place erupted in loud celebrations. In some ways, this result eclipsed the earlier 5-1 group stage defeat of Germany. Fast forward to the competition, and breakfast with colleagues in central London while we watched Argentina take on England in Group F in Japan 2002. The English won 1-0 with a Beckham penalty. Some form of redemption for knock-out defeats in Mexico 1986 and France 1998. A walk through Trafalgar Square to take in the party atmosphere after breakfast, before returning to the office for a day’s work.

Today

Here today, the England men’s team play in a football final. The first in many of our lifetimes (certainly in memory for many). The matches so far haven’t always been exciting, but the group of players do appear to be a team. Some names are more recognisable than others. But that’s largely for their work on the pitch, rather than headlines off the pitch.

When there have been non-footballing news items, these have been positive. Two of the squad were recently awarded MBEs. Jordan Henderson for setting up the Players Together fund, through which twenty premier league captains donated millions to NHS charities at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Raheem Sterling was recognised for his work towards campaigning against racism in football, and setting up a foundation for deprived children. These follow team mate Marcus Rashford‘s MBE last year for his campaign to persuade the government to allow 1.3 million children to claim free school meal vouchers during the school holidays.

Meanwhile, their manager, Gareth Southgate leads by thoughtful example rather than grand gestures. Still remembered for missing the crucial penalty against Germany in 1996, many also recall Southgate’s nerve in volunteering to take the sixth penalty. (England had only nominated 5 to take penalties). If you haven’t seen Gareth’s ‘Dear England’ letter, it’s worth a read.

The players are paid for international appearances. And since 2008, the entire squad have donated their match fees to charity. Euro 2020 is no different. A large proportion of their match fees will be donated to the NHS, with the remainder going to the England Footballers Foundation (EFF) for onwards distribution. Previous EFF support has gone to Cancer Research UK, Help for Heroes, and UNICEF.

These are role models who young people can look up to and aspire to emulate, whether on or off the pitch. They remind us of the good side to the beautiful game. And also that while football is important, and winning feels good, there are many more important issues which we should all come together for outside the sport.

Whatever the outcome today, let’s hope for a good and fair game. We can be proud of this team and their modest manager. My wall chart is up to date, and awaits the inking in of the final score. Here’s hoping that by tonight we’re singing for England.

I was a back garden footballer in the 1970s, dreaming of playing for England.
(Photo: R. A. Lord).