4.45pm - Just fifteen minutes to kick-off. The teams have been announced. It's amazing that Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish has not made the starting eleven - nor has Manchester City's Phil Foden but I am pleased to see Arsenal's nineteen year old Bukayo Saka on the team sheet. He played so well against the Czech Republic in the group stage of the tournament. As the day has progressed, I have felt a growing nervous energy while just pottering around in the garden. Last night, as I was drinking beer with the lads up at "The Hammer" I predicted a two-nil victory for England. Hope I am right. Come on England!
4.55pm - The teams are out now. Wembley is noisy though there's only half a crowd there because of COVID restrictions. The teams are lining up. The German team are singing "Das Lied der Deutschen"... there is a lot of unsporting booing... and now "God Save The Queen". All the lads are singing. It's spine-tingling. I will write again at half time.
5.47pm - It's halftime and the score is nil-nil. Quite an even first half but in a few instances England have looked threatening. Saka is playing well but our goalscoring captain Harry Kane continues to have an unremarkable tournament. Germany's Timo Werner probably had the best chance but his attack was snuffed out by our goalkeeper - Sunderland-born Jordan Pickford. Great save! 53% possession to England. Both teams have had three shots. Even stevens but England have some fire in their bellies today. I remain hopeful but a bit worried that Kalvin Phillips might get himself sent off with a second yellow card. That would change everything.
6.50pm - The final whistle has just been blown. We have won! We have won! By two goals to nil. Now who predicted that? Goals from Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane who headed in a cross from our charismatic substitute - Jack Grealish. As I watch our television, the England fans are singing, "It's Coming Home! Football's Coming Home!" They played like a proper team. Together for England! Onwards to the next game - Sweden or Ukraine. Surely...surely! Come on England!
You had your finger on the pulse there YP. I bet there are a lot of sore heads and sick notes in Blighty in the morning. Could they...? Shush. Great report.
ReplyDeleteCould they indeed? Ahead lie Belgium ready to kill our dream.
DeleteCongrats on the soccer win! I'm being cheeky with the use of the term soccer but truly congratulate your country on the win.
ReplyDeleteHa-ha! I don't mind a bit of well-meaning joshing Ed! GO ENGLAND!
DeleteMight I offer my sincerest 'Whoot!'
ReplyDeleteYes you may young lady! And it is warmly received.
DeleteAfter the first goal, I thought "This is going to end 2:0 for England", and I was right, too. A bit disappointing for the German team, and especially for Joachim Löw, the national coach - it was his last ever match in that role.
ReplyDeleteGermany having lost meant we had a quiet night here in Ludwigsburg - no cars honking, no rowdy crowds drinking in the streets or people partying in their gardens and on their balconies.
Glad to have given Ludwigsburg a peaceful night. Joachim Löw has been a magnificent servant to German football.
DeleteBrilliant news commentary, but isn't George a cute lad. Well done England!
ReplyDeleteIt was funny to see him dressed just like his father.
DeleteI found the first 75 minutes almost impossible to watch because of the long history of England cock-ups and failures. Having now, after so long, won against one of world's top teams things might become more bearable, especially if they go on to win the whole competition. It isn't so hard cheering for a losing side if it's a side that sometimes wins too.
ReplyDeleteCome on! Get in there!
DeleteWell done! Keep going lads!
ReplyDelete