There have been 55 years of hurt for England fans old enough to have witnessed their side claim the Jules Rimet Trophy at the 1966 World Cup. But for younger fans who might not even remember a time before Harry Kane there is less emotional baggage.
With England on the cusp of victory, i spoke to young people about their hopes and expectations ahead of Sunday’s face-off with Italy.
Until England knocked out Germany at the last-16 stage, Monty Stephens, 11, had been backing both teams, as his mother is half-German.
While the idea of cheering on Germany might be considered sacrilege for some, Monty sees no issue with dual loyalties and suggests younger England fans can be more magnanimous toward their opponents than older generations.
“If England won I would congratulate them but if Germany won I would congratulate them too,” said Monty, who lives in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire.
“It’s a bit of an advantage supporting both teams. I understand England used to lose a lot to Germany, and there was the war [but] I think [younger fans] are being kinder to Germany.”
Monty, who also supports Ipswich Town, believes England have a “good chance” of winning on Sunday, but notes that Italy have scored more goals during the championship.
“It’s extremely close – I think they’ll tie and it will go to penalties,” he says.
George Cassen, 10, from Brighton, also anticipates a penalty shoot-out. “I think it will go to penalties and England will win. I don’t know why – I’m just being hopeful,” he admits.
Unlike many from his parents’ and grandparents’ generations who hold unwelcome memories of England’s penalty misses, George’s outlook is not clouded by history.
In fact, he had only seen England take a handful of penalties until, on Wednesday night, he watched Harry Kane convert the rebound after Denmark’s Kasper Schmeichel saved his inital penalty strike, leading England into the final.
Although he is hopeful, George is also prepared for a loss: “I don’t have really high expectations. I know England haven’t got to a final for, like, 50 years. But I still really want England to win badly.”
Dídac Luther-Pérez, 13, from London, has been impressed by England throughout the Euros and is optimistic that the team will finally triumph at an international tournament.
“They haven’t lost a game yet. I think there’s a lot of good young players. England could probably win the Euros, or the World Cup, if not this year, then in the next 10 years.
However, he adds: “I’m quite nervous because Italy aren’t beaten in more than 30 games. It’s going to be really hard.”
Mijo Juric-Williams, 12, also from London, agrees Italy have been playing “really well” but is excited for England.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen them in a final and it’s the same for a lot of people older than me,” Mijo says.
“For them to have an opportunity [to win] a trophy at last, I think they really deserve it.”
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3hRxHSk
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