Say, England manage to go the whole way and win the 2024 Euro's. However, we don't manage a single good performance. We have a mix of edgy 1-0's and winning on penalties. Relatively solid, but as much attacking threat as we've carried so far and questions over the team or even the tactics persist until the final. How would you feel after the tournament in that instance? Would it take the shine off for you or would you feel the thrill of winning a tournament that everyone young enough to not remember 1966 is yet to feel…..?
Yes. Win at all costs. Nobody complained when AC Milan in the mid 90s used to win 1-0 most weeks. They rightly got praised for being solid at the back and hard to beat.
The only thing that would take the shine off would be winning the final on penalties. Such an unsatisfactory way to settle a tournament of such magnitude.
People have forgotten...We didn't get off to a flyer in 1966 either...this is the headline after the opener. In the last group game against France, the French team was weakened by injury and had two players hobbling through the game in the days before subs were allowed.
If we win or even make the final much of what's gone before will eventually be forgotten by most. Everyone talks about 1990 and 1996 in following terms but both those tournaments had their less than thrilling moments and criticism of the team and/or manager. Likewise, I remember my grandad telling me about 1966 and commenting that there was quite a bit of discussion around Jimmy Greaves and his role in the team and what Ramsey should do. Similarly there's the press report above detailing issues after the first game. I'm as disappointed as anyone with our performance so far. But winners often grow through tournaments, improving as they move through the rounds. Theoretically we look to have the easier side of the draw thanks to other high profile teams slipping up (looking at you France and Netherlands). At least we did the job and topped the group, even if it was by boring everyone into submission.
Winning like that would take the edge off for me. Did well in the last Euros by getting so far but its not a euros I look back on fondly because of mainly dire football. There has to be some kind of genuine entertainment for me (overall) otherwise the victory looks a tad hollow. If England play well and lose I'm not overly upset in the big scheme...Would just be nice to have both - exciting football most of the time AND a win.
Only thing that would be remembered in history is the name of the winner on reality. It would however be a slight disappointment to not put in a decent performance.
Itd help if we actually started 'winning' matches Quite literally the same as us with Collins. Lots of folk put up with **** football whilst winning, then changed their minds when we stopped winning. But there's no reason whatsoever why this England team has to play **** football
50/50 for me. I watch football to be entertained, and if I'm not entertained there is no enjoyment. I used to be 'win at all costs' when I was younger, but my outlook has changed as I've matured (yes I have matured!!). So, while it would be pleasing to have it in the record books that we were champions, my memories of it would not bring me much joy.
Doesn’t matter how you win it. Playing badly and progressing through the knock out rounds has to be a huge upgrade on drawing our way out of the group. I know it wouldn’t be entertaining, but unless every round could be defined by moments of sheer luck, we would have deserved to win it. I think we have to win something by the skin of our teeth just to get us over the line and then hopefully there will be more to come.
I wouldn’t care to be honest. Portugal in 2016 were the worst team in my lifetime to win a tournament. Drew all 3 group games. The only team they beat in 90 minutes were Wales. Scored a long ranger in a game where they were second best. I doubt their fans cared one bit. Greece weren’t much better in 2004. Seemed to scrape by in every game & they were all easily forgettable. I can’t imagine their fans care either.
Wouldn’t care. get to the semi finals and there will be hysteria come 10 July. And rightly so, everything that’s gone before will be irrelevant
I went out to Shaw lane to watch the England v Italy final. (After giving the rest of the previous games in the tournament a miss). More in hope than expectation. From being totally dominant to losing complete control. I really can't get myself up for it. I may think differently if we reach the final. But invariably will come away disappointed and angry. Hope I'm wrong.
