It has been a breath of fresh air. A tournament to make even the most cynical, hard-bitten football writer fall in love all over again.
The Euros has lived up to every set of hopes and expectations - and then some. Goals, fun, openness, sell-out crowds and friendly faces enjoying the most incredible, unforgettable and beautiful football summer.
I often go to games and there is a swirling, nasty atmosphere around stadiums which makes it intimidating for mums and dads to take kids. Swearing, loutish behaviour full of booze and in the last year or so it has gone up a notch with pitch invasions, the return of crowd trouble and last year’s Euros final at Wembley was a real low for English football.
It has put people off and made us all wary. Should I take my daughters to a game? One thing’s for certain, it’s definitely impacted on the enjoyment of going to football and covering it as an event. That is why this summer has been so special. From the moment that England kicked us off at Old Trafford, the tournament has gone from strength to strength. The buzz around grounds, the excitement and, best of all, the football.
It has been hugely entertaining, slick and full of drama. In my job, you should be professional. I don’t like the so-called “fans in press boxes” and I like them even less in press conferences. I hate football shirts in press boxes. It’s a place of work. But if I allow myself one indulgence then it is to get carried away with England. (Ironic really as, like most people, my family and family tree has got so many nations it belongs in the UN).
And I’d be lying if I said I remained impartial when Alessia Russo did that incredible back heel. It got me out of my seat in disbelief, the guy from the broadsheet in front looked in horror at the others who didn’t move a muscle. And rightly so. What a moment. Honestly, if radio stations and TV channels are still employing dinosaurs that poke fun at the levels of the women’s game, they need to take a long, hard look at themselves. Everyone has a right to an opinion - but I don’t welcome sexism, racism, anti-semitism in a public forum. Do you?
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Russo’s turn before her goal against Northern Ireland was not far behind. Think the keepers aren’t very good? Well, you can’t have seen Mary Earps saves against Sweden. I’ve been to all the England games. You don’t particularly enjoy filing live from a game which goes to extra time. It’s way too stressful. But after England beat Spain, I couldn’t sleep that night because the buzz was too great.
The FA have been brilliant in throwing the doors open, making sure the players speak and make their stories heard. You can’t help but be gripped by stories of overcoming the odds and being told they can’t. Well, they can. Now, we’re all set up for England v Germany at Wembley on Sunday. One of my best pals in journalism always insisted that should England make a final then we should wear a suit. I’m ashamed to say we bottled it last summer. Very smart. But no suit. However, on Sunday, I’ll definitely be suited and booted. This tournament has given us back our footballing pride.
