Cheers, Lads

I'm very glad that Rich and I had already booked tomorrow off, given that the match went to extra time and penalties. I'm genuinely gutted for the team; they seem like a really great bunch of guys and penalties is no way to lose a game. I will say this though; staying at home to watch the game in your PJs with a cuppa and a tube of doner kebab Pringles (the football flavour, apparently) is my new favourite way to watch games.

I must admit I found it a bit difficult to reconcile my excitement for the game itself and my pride in the coach and team with the abhorrent behaviour of the fans. Seeing footage of huge crowds in the midst of a pandemic when cases are rising, fighting and smashing things and generally running riot really whizzed on my excitement chips. I can't help but be infuriated too that these yobs were basically allowed to run riot, when peaceful protests and vigils have been violently broken up by police. This country is broken, and the pride I felt for the team's amazing achievement is certainly not extended to large portions of our citizens or the majority of its government. 

I really wish that the scenes in London weren't the thing that will dominate the headlines now, as the game was actually genuinely good. Although England weren't quite as on it in the second half of normal time, holding Italy to a 1-1 draw through extra time was no mean feat. I feel so badly for those that missed/had penalties saved, but that's penalties for you, isn't it? (Though I am very glad that the Italian dude who should have been sent off for dragging Saka down by his neck had his penalty saved, thank you Pickford!) We have such a good team here though that for the first time in yonks, I'm feeling quietly optimistic about the next tournament! I shall miss Tiny Football Car, though.