- Greece claimed a famous 2-1 victory over England at Wembley in the Nations League
- The Three Lions have a poor recent home record with just one win in five
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Wembley apparently fully supported Lee Carsley. At least in that case, very few bothered to sing the national anthem.
The draft team file/resignation would eventually lower the tone even further, but our national stadium did nothing to cheer it up. Rarely does this place inspire. Too often it’s like a concert hall without a band.
That’s one win in five now and one in 2024, including losses to Iceland and Greece. It’s been said before, but Wembley Park tube station was busier than Wembley Stadium when Greece scored the winning goal in the 94th minute on Thursday. This was the second major evacuation this week in the West Florida backcountry.
Why, then, don’t England play more away games? Not so that people all over the country have a chance to see the team (that’s a very good reason in itself) but rather to give them a better chance of winning!
Wembley is a problem, and perhaps always has been. Gary Neville said he hated playing there, even though it was the old stadium. But there’s something about the whole experience that leaves you cold, even on a summer night. See England 0 Iceland June 1, 2024.
Lee Carsley’s bold strategy was unsuccessful as his team’s defense was exposed by the visitors.
England have won just one of their last five games at Wembley and just one this calendar year.
Greece claimed a famous 2-1 victory over England at Wembley on Thursday night thanks to a brace from Vangelis Pavlidis.
This all seems like a pretty functional transaction for fans, too. Tube. Image of the arch. Wembley Road. Black Sheep Coffee. Clive Tyldesley reminds them that alcohol is not allowed on the street. Bag checked to see its contents. Wallet empty of contents. American football. Beat the rush. Full time whistle (in the distance).
There is little chance of deviating from the predetermined journey experience. Little room for expression or variety. And isn’t that reflected on the playing field? It’s all a bit normal, as those black sheep might seem. Players seem to shrink, not grow.
When was the last iconic performance at Wembley, by the team or by an individual? It certainly hasn’t been this year.
Meanwhile, of all the matches held here during Euro 2020, only Germany in the round of 16 really awakened the senses. Remember that their biggest victory was in Rome against Ukraine.
Will it be different in four years when we host Euro 2028? It would be if they played one or more of their matches in Liverpool, Manchester or Newcastle. At least that gives a sense of occasion, of uniqueness.
Ahead of Euro 2024, England played their first game at St James’ Park in almost 20 years
The Wembley internationals feel more like a mortgage payment. Another fact. Another transaction.
They don’t even bother getting a singer for the national anthem. Maybe it’s because they would be the only ones singing.