jane, waitress in the “Express Tavern” on London’s Kew Bridge Road 56 – a stone’s throw from Brentford Community Stadium – must have had a premonition that this EURO quarter-final against Spain would not be easy. Neither for England’s footballers nor for themselves.
The force with which the waiter slams glasses and plates onto the counter makes those opposite him flinch. If looks could kill (tip size didn’t matter), no one would get out of this pub alive. Not even after the redeeming final whistle in Brighton, where the “Lionesses” just got the curves and, after a 0-1 deficit, kept the upper hand 2-1 until the 84th minute.
The extension boosts business, Jane’s mood remains unchanged – bad.
as Ella Ann Toone pushes the ball over the line to equalize, restless, nail-biting Brits who have already racked their brains over how many pints of liquid gold it would take to drown their frustration become utterly disengaged. They jump up, clap, cheer. The first glasses fall on the floor, tables shake. Jane, unsurprisingly, finds this less funny. Maybe because she knows it wouldn’t be a flash in the pan.
We write the 96th minute: Georgia Stanway, who will move from Manchester City to FC Bayern Munich, takes heart and pulls away, England leads 2-1. The first table tips over, the shards can no longer be counted. It’s escalating – but still in the perfectly civilized realm. There’s no ill intent behind it, just feeling the sheer relief. Except for Jane, who – measured by her first name – is not likely to be assigned to the Spanish sympathizers. Presumed. Who knows? You could ask Jane, but don’t think anyone dares.
Jane is still grumpy – maybe she’s already thinking about next Tuesday. Even then the “Express Tavern” will be open and England will be back in action in the evening. Then in Sheffield in the EURO semifinals against Sweden or Belgium.
captain Leah Williamson from WFC Arsenal apologizes via BBC with a wink for the nail-biter. “Sorry Mom and Dad you have to work tomorrow and I delayed your return trip. I’m sorry for the entire nation that it took so long, but I hope you’re all as wired as I am.” no Jane is still not amused.
Source: Nachrichten
