I know that only oldies like me can agree or disagree, but I’m convinced that last night was more special than 1966, including the final.
At that time we took our footballing superiority over most other countries for granted, perceiving Italy, Germany and Brazil to be on a par. There was no way a country like Denmark could have given us the tough game they did, and the route to the final was generally easier for the top countries.
I realise now that whilst the nation then was interested, there was nothing like last night’s passion across all ages, genders, class etc. Nothing like the same media coverage, or post match reaction. Can you imagine, if we won the final, Harry McGuire travelling two hours later on the Central Line to Leytonstone with the cup on his lap, having been invited by a fan to a party there, like Jack Charlton did.
I think the 1966 achievement has grown in importance as our national team has declined in subsequent years, and getting back to that standard is what made last night so special.
At that time we took our footballing superiority over most other countries for granted, perceiving Italy, Germany and Brazil to be on a par. There was no way a country like Denmark could have given us the tough game they did, and the route to the final was generally easier for the top countries.
I realise now that whilst the nation then was interested, there was nothing like last night’s passion across all ages, genders, class etc. Nothing like the same media coverage, or post match reaction. Can you imagine, if we won the final, Harry McGuire travelling two hours later on the Central Line to Leytonstone with the cup on his lap, having been invited by a fan to a party there, like Jack Charlton did.
I think the 1966 achievement has grown in importance as our national team has declined in subsequent years, and getting back to that standard is what made last night so special.