In the end the media didn't even characterise it as an heroic failure. Nor a success. The stench from the performances in the earlier rounds was too great to be forgotten so soon. Paul Mortimer's poem captures the numb hum of low expectations realised, as a contrast to the triumphalism of the TV match commentators. Bellingham's last minute overhead kick equalizer against a nation England "should beat," made me think England had not just won the Euro's in that moment, they'd won the World Cup too. Does it always have to be so dire? For as long as I can remember, England have done weird things like taken unfit superstars to the finals? Remember Bryan Robson - was he Captain Marvel at the time? Playing with his arm in a sling? Whatever, we'll always have Geoff Hurst and the enduring truism... "They think it's all over..."
FIFTY-EIGHT YEARS OF HURTp
There’s still just one Star on my replica shirt
Yet more time added to fifty-eight years of hurt
To our dismay another ‘Golden Generation’
Turns out to be a figment of our imagination
Coaches live or die by the tactics they choose
You must play to win, not just ensure you don’t lose
We cannot make the coach a figure of hate
Instead build on Gareth’s legacy to end that long wait
No ‘Sweet Caroline’ or ‘Hey Jude’ now in Berlin
Queen’s ‘We Are the Champions’ serenaded the Spanish win
Football didn’t ‘Come Home’, Messrs. Skinner & Baddiel
Spain’s ‘lightning seeds’ – Nico and Lamine showed the way
Perhaps then a trophy will be within our range
For now, the speculation – with an expectation of change.
It’s farewell, bon voyage to Gareth Southgate
When it mattered most, your teams did too little, too late
Who is the man to ignite England’s spark?
FA Suits will decide at HQ, St George’s Park
© 2024 Paul Mortimer
