Pritish II
26th June, 1996… A dejected Gareth Southgate looked at the grass after missing the decisive penalty against Germany in the semi finals. For the english fans, it was the end of something unprecedented but beautiful. A nation who’s fans were divided by the fierce club rivalries had come together for about a month, thanks to the national team. They had their moments, the most iconic of all probably being Paul Gascoigne’s ‘dentist chair’ celebration after a great goal against fierce rivals Scotland. Even the Dutch couldn’t tame the ‘3 Lions’ as they went down 4-1 in front of a packed stadium. They believed that was the moment, ’30 years of hurt’ was finally coming to an end, until that day. In a heartbreaking match where, Gascoigne was inches away from stealing an extra time winner the match went to penalties and Gareth couldn’t convert the decisive spot kick. Then right back and Manchester United great, Gary Neville quoted teammate Stuart Pearce on their run in Euro 1996 ”It could be as good as it gets”, a statement that described the following 22 odd years until the 2018 World Cup. A young team managed by none other than Mr Southgate exceeded all expectations to bow out in the semis…again! This was followed by the emergence of a new crop of English players. The likes of Mount, Grealish, Foden, Sancho among others all of whom technically gifted, comfortable on the ball contrary to what we percieved english players to be. This group led by the likes of Kane, Sterling formed what is seen by many as the next ‘Golden Generation’. Quite obviously, the english fans were quick to jump on the bandwagon, under the chants of ‘It’s coming home’. It has to be said, inspite of all the disappointments in recent years…they never fail to get back behind their team.
Mr Southgate has had his critics, with ‘boring’, ‘defensive’ etc some of the words associated with him. ‘Pick Jack Grealish’ would probably be the way England fans would exchange pleasantries on seeing him. Regardless, Euro 2020 began, Wembley was buzzing, the group stage over and it was the germans who rocked up, filled with world class players. Kroos, Mueller, Havertz…the lot of them. After 25 years, this was the ‘Watford Kabir Khan’s’ moment…of redemption. The lineups were revealed followed by the usual reaction by the fans.’ Where’s Foden, Start Grealish’ were the words on the mouths of England fans. The game began with the germans all over the 3 lions. Quick passing, controlled possession with Kimmich bombing down the right up until the 10th minute when England gained some control. The half ended with Harry Kane squandering a golden chance, who by the way still hadn’t opened his account in the tournament. Agony. The word that described the mood in a number of fan parks across Manchester, Croydon etc. Then began a historical second half, atleast for the english, with a venomous Havertz shot tipped over the bar by Pickford. Minutes before the clock hit 70, Jack Grealish was finally introduced and boy did it pay off. A wonderful take on by Sterling who passed it to Kane. Kane played it out to Grealish who passed it to Luke Shaw on the left. Low cross to Sterling. Tap-in. 1 nil. Wembley exploded. The boy from Brent scored his 3rd of the tournament against the mighty germans in his own backyard. Stuff of dreams for any fan but just another day in the office for ‘Raz’. However it could all have been ruined after a back pass from Sterling was picked up by Havertz who put Mueller through on goal. 9 out of 10 times, he’s the man but this time it wasn’t meant to be as he dragged his shot wide of the post around the 80 minute mark. Relief, for Sterling and co. Heads in hands for the germans, but no time to dwell. 10 long minutes awaited England, until Kane arrived at the party. A cross by the mercurial Grealish nodded in by the England captain. Lightning striked twice. Wembley eccstatic. Captains just have to deliver, don’t they?
A well managed game ended with the entire team stepping up. Maguire shutting down the german attack, Rice and Phillips giving Kroos and Kimmich a run for their money, the entire team as said above performed. As for Mr Southgate, who looked up in the air at full time, perhaps in relief, it was redemption but the job still incomplete. They had beaten Germany for the first time in 90 minutes at a major tournament but still had to win one since 1966. Nonetheless, the fans’ joy knew no bounds. Be it Beckham or Boris, everyone enjoyed that one and maybe felt a bit more english. That day when Kane and Sterling scored, it wasn’t about Manchester City or Spurs or any EPL club… It was all about the ‘3 lions on the shirt’. Thank you for reading and It’s coming home…..until next time!
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