The connection between Gareth Southgate’s England team and the country it represents is rich but not without its complexities. It can often feel like people adore them and are frustrated by them in equal measure (and sometimes at the same time). Friday’s match at Wembley provided a good opportunity to observe this dynamic in action as England lost to Iceland in their final fixture before travelling to Germany as the favourites for Euro 2024.
The first thing to be noted was the atmosphere as you stepped out of Wembley Park station and on to Olympic Way. At the top of the long bank of stairs and along the packed thoroughfare there were families everywhere pausing to capture the moment. Posing for photographs in stetsons with the St George’s cross on them, Jack Grealish scarves around their shoulders and any number of vintage England shirts, this was a joyous, friendly atmosphere. It was something not so long ago you would have associated more with a concert than a football match.
