So often the country’s national mood is set by worries over public finances, rows about various issues or political turmoil. But, to an even greater degree, it is also defined by the performance of 11 people on a football pitch. In beating Mexico in their Azteca Stadium stronghold, England’s men’s team lifted the collective spirit.
The manner of the victory was the stuff of stirring legend. A young team representing every bit of the country, led by the redoubtable English oak Harry Kane and managed by the resolute German, Thomas Tuchel, showed what is possible.
