Golden year: the England football revolution

1/ A winning mentality. Sunday’s performance was not perfect, but boy was it exciting. England’s first half was fluid, refined, composed — nevertheless, Croatia took the lead. England could have capitulated. Instead, they dug in: a long throw and a free kick giving them two decisive goals and a spot in the semi-final of the Nations League. After reaching a World Cup semi-final this summer, 2018 is surely England’s best year since ’66.

2/ A new talisman. Who else to score the game’s winning goal but Harry Kane? Moore, Lineker, Beckham: England has many football legends, and Kane could be the latest. However, his career has not been without struggle. Dismissed as a “chubby” youth player, he fought to make it to the top. Now he is a World Cup Golden Boot winner and one of the finest strikers in the game.

3/ The waistcoated wonder. Overseeing it all: manager Gareth Southgate. Criticised when he got the job, he has defied all expectations. Particularly remarkable is the example he sets off the pitch. “He has shown us the value of courtesy, kindness, hard work and […] redefined not just how to be a manager, but how to be a man,” writes India Knight. It is no wonder that Marks & Spencer reported a 35% surge in waistcoat sales this summer.

4/ Everyday heroes. In Sunday’s post-match press conference, Southgate took the focus beyond football: “the most pleasing thing for me is the connection with the fans,” he said. “I’ve not heard Wembley like that for years.” Unlike previous generations, Southgate’s young team is modest, relatable and fun — qualities summed up by the viral photographs of England players splashing around on inflatable unicorns.

5/ Flying the flag. As with any England match, the St George’s cross was a common sight. In the past, however, the symbol has caused unease, having been associated with racist far-right nationalism. Times have changed. During the World Cup, flags were flown proudly across the nation, and Southgate’s team was proclaimed a symbol of “healthy patriotism” and a beacon of modern English identity.

Will England’s golden run continue?

Win-win

Of course, some people argue. Remember: Southgate’s team is still extremely young. If they play to their potential, England have a great chance of winning the Euros and, who knows, maybe even the next World Cup? Above all, they have made a nation proud to be English again. This feeling will not quickly fade.

Not likely, others respond. Football is fickle. A string of bad results and Southgate will be out. Furthermore, we must not rely on sport to unify the nation. Brexit is descending into chaos, and political divisions are sharpening. Football can only do so much to paper over the cracks.