Is Football Ever Coming Home?
Euro 2024 aftermath.
The 2024 UEFA European Championship had just concluded, and Spain emerged victorious. It was a great moment for the Spaniards, as they won their fourth European title, beating out Germany as the most successful team in the tournament. And they did so on German soil. What a boss!
Then we have England. Poor old England. Once again, football’s not “coming home”. I’m not English, nor have I lived in that country, so it’s not like I feel some great pain in my heart over this. That said, I have been following English soccer ever since I care enough about the sport. I remember David Beckham and Michael Owen in their prime. And just to further date myself, I remember Emile Heskey in his prime.
So I do want them to succeed on some level. Alas, that has not been the case.
For as long as I can remember, the English soccer team were always hyped up but they always fell short. But it’s not just that they fell short, they fell way short. At times, they fell short in hilarious ways, from conceding a surreal Ronaldinho goal to losing to Iceland (of all nations). If there’s one way to describe how the English soccer team have performed since their famed 1966 World Cup triumph, it’s this:
So honestly, it was a bit strange for me when the team made it to the Euro 2021 2020 final. That they eventually lost in penalties to Italy was heartbreaking, especially since the game was played in Wembley. For England to make it back to the final four three years later shows character, if nothing else.
On the other hand, England was clearly dominated in Berlin. The final score, 2-1, was so flattering to them; that game could have ended 3-0 to Spain and I wouldn’t bat an eye. Unlike the Italy final where England was on the front foot for much of the game, here Spain was clearly the better team.
So is football ever “coming home”? I have my doubts, but they’ve been knocking at the door for some time.
-Michael P. Marpaung