England Expected Much... And Was Not Disappointed!

THE LONG drought is over. Exhausted relief mingles with joyous celebration. At last, after more than half a century of bitter defeat and despair, England have emerged triumphant from a major clash with Germany in football.

- Leo McKinstry

The roar of the Wembley crowd at the final whistle on Tuesday night was matched by an explosion of jubilation across the land.

The team’s advance in the European championships is all the sweeter because it comes just as the country is starting to emerge from the miserable ordeal of the Covid pandemic.

With life beginning to return to normal this summer, the sense of impending freedom from lockdown and fearful isolation heightens the exuberance at England’s heroic success.

The journey might end in Rome on Saturday against Ukraine, but, whatever happens, this week’s defeat of Germany will go down as one of the great moments in our nation’s sporting history.

England’s achievement is a tribute to the dedication and talent of a young squad that has refused to be daunted by the immense challenge it faces.

Strong in defence, it has yet to concede a goal while up front few chances have been missed. Its unbeaten run is also a reflection of the shrewd leadership of manager Gareth Southgate, whose tactical planning has so far proved faultless.