“Now it’s really coming home!” Was the headline of the “Sunday Express” after the English national team’s convincing 4-0 triumph over Ukraine in the last eight. Yes, football is coming home – to London, to Wembley Stadium, the scene of the hottest phase of this European Championship in 2021, which will serve three more matches. Tomorrow (9 p.m.) the first semi-final between Italy and Belgium will take place, on Wednesday (9 p.m.) England and Denmark will duel. With crystal clear atmospheric advantages for the “Three Lions”. For the showdown, the permissible capacity of the magnificent arena will be increased to 60,000 – despite the Delta variant – the strict corona regulations for entry and home travel make an invasion of foreign football fans impossible.
The belief that the motherland of well-tended football, England, will conquer the second big title is growing. They live the dream of a revival in Wembley, where Geoffrey Hurst & Co. crowned themselves world champions in 1966. “It’s a great feeling to return to our stadium. We did this job in Rome with flying colors,” said defense chief Harry Maguire, who was not affected by the somewhat eerie atmosphere in the Italian capital. Only 11,880 eyewitnesses had lost their way into the mighty Olimpico oval.
The chance of a lifetime
Now – after the English made their first EURO semi-finals since 1996 (they also enjoyed home advantage back then) – the mood barometer is skyrocketing. The “Yellow Press” went crazy, after the gala against Ukraine it was difficult to highlight individual actors from the collective. But they did exist. About Harry Kane. The double goalscorer has finally warmed up: “This is now an opportunity that we have to seize with both hands,” he emphasized.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was particularly loved because he scored his premier goal in the 61st international match. Goalie Jordan Pickford also played to zero in the fifth EURO game, and the British defensive did not concede a goal for 662 minutes.
The most impressive performance on this magical night in Rome was delivered by left-back Luke Shaw, who shone with two assists. “Brilliant. It felt like I’d scored myself,” said the 25-year-old, who is stronger than before after a long ordeal. Shaw missed EURO 2016 because of a broken tibia and fibula, and he was not on board at the 2018 World Cup due to an injury. In addition, he fell out of favor with ex-coach of his employer Manchester United, Jose Mourinho.
Since Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer has swung the scepter with the “Red Devils”, Shaw has also been climbing steeply. “This journey is not over yet, we can achieve great things,” he believes.
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
