‘Jules Rimet ’still gleaming, ‘thirty years’ of hurt. A line chorused by an entire nation as World Cup fever sweeps the nation once more. The most contagious fever of them all, it is simply impossible to avoid the tides of passionate England supporters backing their players to the end. This time, though, as another Football World Cup looms, it feels rather different.
Firstly, this is the first ever winter World Cup in the tournament’s 92-year-old history. The glorious combination of heatwaves, cold lagers and England playing is what entices all manner of countrymen and women to their screens. However, when England take to the pitch in Qatar, the idea of hot chocolate being tossed in the air when Harry Kane converts the winning goal not only seems dangerous, but also not the atmosphere that supporters cherish.
The perceived up sides of a winter World Cup, though, are clear. Players will be match fit and fresh having already started their domestic seasons, enabling them to perform at a higher level and cope with the demands of extra-time in a more effective manner. What manager, Gareth Southgate, has not yet experienced, though, is intense pre-tournament pressure. This, perhaps, is the most significant difference to preparation of them all.
Nothing will be conclusive except the fact that all English fans will come together to support their country through thick and thin during November and hopefully December
Off the back of a dismal Nations’ League campaign, seeing England finish bottom of a group against Italy, Germany and Hungary, the nation is divided. Is Southgate wasting the most talented squad that England have had in over fifteen years, or is his pragmatic approach, that has seen England come close to international glory for the first time since 1966, necessary for a World Cup triumph? Ask one hundred people and nothing will be conclusive except the fact that all English fans will come together to support their country through thick and thin during November and hopefully December. Regardless of the reactive pub and social media chatter that seems to influence many fans, when World Cup fever sweeps the nation once more, waistcoats will return to fashion, England chants will re-emerge, and club rivalries will be put to one side as this proud country will kick off their campaign against Iran on 21st November.
There is a certain magic in the air when a World Cup is being played. The enigmatic South American and African flair, entertaining goal celebrations and buoyant supporters are something that European fans do not witness enough. Colombia, Uruguay, Ghana, Argentina, South Africa and, of course, Brazil, have provided moments that will always be remembered. Whether it’s Siphiwe Tshabalala’s magnificent opening goal of the South African World Cup in 2010; Pele’s rise to stardom at just seventeen years of age for Brazil; or James Rodriguez’ simply majestic performance across the 2014 tournament, Europe are only able to pay witness to this drama every four years. What they are exposed to, however, is the steeliness of Germany, the mesmeric passing of Spain and outrageous French teams that have been assembled now and in years gone by. England certainly do have their work cut out if they are to stitch a second star onto their badge.
Securing a runners-up medal in the European Championships in 2021 certainly bodes well for England and they will not be fazed by any side or situation. The recent heartbreaks in the latter stages of major tournaments will act as a driving force, with the entire starting eleven of whom were defeated by Italy in that memorable final, being on the plane in November. The debate lies with selection, though. Generational talents such as Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Kane have experienced dry patches of form since the Euros defeat, and with the pressure of a nation on Southgate’s shoulders, his job of picking the best eleven to bring football home has never been more challenging. What is clear, though, is that it is going to be a tournament like no other, and the world will stop to watch a month’s extravaganza of the best players competing for the biggest prize of them all. Will it come home? That is in the hands of fate, luck and most importantly, eleven gladiators sporting white shirts with three lions on the front.
