Euro 2020: Why Everyone Needs to Be Behind England in the Final
We’re based in Devon, so it’s always nice to broadcast the individuals and teams from the local area when they achieve something great. This coming Sunday, the men’s England football squad has an opportunity to make history without any Devonish players present. The biggest demographic is Yorkshire with five.
However, it’s not about our tribal influences and where we’re from when Gareth Southgate’s boys take to the pitch at 8 pm. If the entire country isn’t behind the team, we’ll get beat and relinquish our shot at redemption 55 years on from the famous World Cup win at Wembley. This is why.
Italy Have Top Players & an Effective System
Undermining the team in front of us and concentrating on the final before we had qualified were evident against Denmark. The Danes are a quality team, with Mikkel Damsgaard’s thunderbolt of a freekick bringing us back to Earth with a thud. Not only that, but Denmark passed the ball better for large chunks of the first half. Italy are better than the Danes and have quality players that fit into an efficient system, highlighted by the fact the UEFA Euro 2021 winner odds quotes them as 1/1 to lift the trophy.
England may be the favourites, but it isn’t by very much. Harry Kane and his men odds-on at 8/11, yet it’s very tight in the grand scheme of things. Italy will press us high, win the ball in dangerous areas, and put us under pressure. For a team that’s only conceded once and been comfortable, it will be nail-biting at times.
But it’s our job as fans to understand that UEFA European Championship wins don’t come easily. We’ve never won the tournament. Italy will be our biggest test, and if we lose faith in the squad that got us this far, the hard work could be in jeopardy.
Home Support Is a Confidence Boost
Supporters have a pivotal role to play because of the power of home support. Wembley Stadium is going to be the host, and 90,000 people may potentially be in the ground to watch the contest. Of those 90,000, a large percentage will be England fans. The atmosphere the supporters can create is enough to help England lift the trophy, which is something Jose Mourinho has pointed out by saying there needs to be an “Anfield” atmosphere.
Fans belting out Sweet Caroline will be the base for England's final push. Still, people at home can propel the nation to success through their TVs, radios, and mobile devices. A record 24 million viewers tuned in to catch the game against Denmark, and the final is projected to increase by a couple of million more at least.
The players understand the loyalty and dedication of the supporters, which is why they aim to give back by going the extra mile. Jack Grealish, for instance, has spoken about how he thrives under the pressure. Footballers are peacocks who perform when people are watching.
It’s a Once in a Lifetime Experience
Okay, England may go on to win the World Cup in Qatar and follow that up with further success in the Euro 2024. Of course, only a select few countries have won consecutive international tournaments, with the last being a Spain side brimming with the likes of Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, and David Villa.
Plus, if history is anything to go by, it may be a while before we get the opportunity to experience a moment like this. Just take a look at perennial winners Germany, a nation going through a dry spell of seven years without a major trophy. Professional football is unpredictable and no one can predict the future.
Therefore, the smart thing to do is to come together as a country and cheer the boys on, rain, wind, or shine. It may not go our way, yet we will regret it if we let skeletons in the closet ruin what has the potential to be a record-breaking day.
We know for sure that the whole of Italy will be cheering on their boys, hoping they can defy the odds in England’s backyard. Let’s do the same and cement our tag as the favourites for the outright win.
