On June 11th English people had low expectations of their national football team and it’s manager
Some holiday plans had been cancelled and working from home was losing its appeal.
Then we made it out of the group stage and beat Germany 2-0. We began to believe that this time, with this team and the genius Gareth Southgate we were in with a chance.
People who had no idea what an offside trap or VAR was, started to take an interest. Southgate was briefly allowed to forget his missed penalty and the nation’s spirits were lifted.
Denmark stood between us and the final clash with Italy. A brilliant Danish free kick saw the ball dip over the English wall and into the top of the net.
Did Raheen Sterling slow his pace, stop attacking the Danish goal? Did Harry Kane give up? No, a well worked cross was steered into the Danish goal by an unfortunate Dane as Sterling was ready to pounce.
Extra time was needed for England to be awarded a controversial penalty and Harry Kane to put the ball in the net from the keeper’s save. A nervous 10 minutes of English defence and it was all over. Wembley erupted.
In Belfast, hopes were dashed for an England defeat.
odespinner 