Football's coming home?

As lifelong England fans, Brendon and I know all too well the disappointment and pain that comes with following our national team, particularly at a major championship. England haven't won anything since the glory days of 1966, a success epitomised by the iconic image of Bobby Moore lifting the Jules Rimet trophy while being held aloft on the shoulders of his team-mates.



The trophy cabinet has remained empty since that triumph, as England have failed at each major tournament to emulate the '66 winners. We have come so close... but yet so far! The team has developed a particularly annoying habit of losing on penalties to Germany in the final stages.



The first tournament I ever followed was Euro 96. Before that I had no interest in football. I remember my Mum pestering me to leave my Thomas the Tank Engine railway set and come to watch the football with the family. I reluctantly gave in eventually, watching a dull 1-1 draw with Switzerland, but those 90 minutes changed my life forever (for better or for worse, you decide!) I was hooked! I immediately begged my Mum to buy me an England shirt and chose my favourite player, goalscorer Alan Shearer. The championships were held in England, and there was an amazing atmosphere around the country at the time as everyone came together to support the team. I remember every word to the team song from that year, which was sung everywhere you went and can still be heard in stadiums today. The youtube link below contains the song, recorded by comedy duo Baddiel and Skinner, which soundtracked this special time for English football.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLjMcK77BFU



Even with a team full of talented players like Shearer, Sheringham and Gascoigne, and the whole country behind them, England still couldn't do it. Yet again, a crushing penalty shoot-out loss to Germany sent the team out of the tournament and me to bed in tears. Surely, after all these setbacks and heartbreaking moments we would have learned not to be so ambitious. Unfortunately not! Brendon and I, like almost all England fans before a major tournament, have experienced a sudden and inexplicable rise in confidence. We are so excited about the upcoming international games that we have talked about formations and squad lists for the last 2 months, and both genuinely believe that England have a chance to win. This is despite us approaching the championships in the worst possible circumstances: a new manager; 11 first-team regulars injured; our star striker Wayne Rooney banned for the first 2 matches; 6 average players from the worst Liverpool team in living memory forming a key part of the squad...



Yesterday Champions League winner Gary Cahill was the latest to be ruled out of the tournament after he broke his jaw in a collision with Joe Hart. Cahill was pushed by Dries Mertens straight into the onrushing goalkeeper - an appalling challenge considering it was a warm-up friendly for the Euros.



England kick off their championships with a game against a strong and rejuvenated France side next Monday, and we will be in a pub in Barcelona cheering on our team. With a history of disappointments and the present team in such disarray, why do we continue to sing (and believe) that "football's coming home"? Because we're England fans!

At school we have had mixed responses about the Euros. Some of you support Spain, and think that La Roja will triumph once more with their passing football. However, many of you have said that you don't feel Spanish, and that you don't follow the fortunes of the national team. After a year in Catalonia I understand these nationalist sentiments, and hope to recruit you all for the England team. Be warned however... it won't be like supporting Barcelona!

James (in a patriotic mood)