I’ve been trying to get exited about the Euros. I really have. For 2 weeks now. I mean, its football, its on tv, what more could I want? I tell you what; more football! And that’s on too. I should be living the dream and yet… and yet… 

I watched England last night. Almost the entire game, just missing the one and only goal of the game. Which I then saw 73 times in replay to avoid FOMO. The match was underwhelmingly unimpressive. Harry Kane is still way off his own very high mark. Jack Grealish, quite impressive as he was and generally always is, makes my skin crawl. He should play for Chelsea. Where all the most hatefuls end up. But you know what you get with Grealish. Which is 28 free kicks a game. He’s the most fouled player in our league. And I can see why. If I saw him in McDonalds I’d foul him. 

The only bright light was Bukayo Saka. And he was blindingly bright. He’s 19 years old, fast as fuck and fearless. I would say ‘brilliant’ but he plays for Arsenal so I have to show some restraint. 

The odd thing is, I quite enjoy watching other teams. Probably because I’m not emotionally involved with their players. Safe to say I’ve never seen Kilian Mbappe at White Hart Lane being obnoxious, fouling my players or writhing around like a stuck pig on the ground. So he has no ‘baggage’, I can admire him with no pre-conditions. 

And watching Germany the other night against Portugal was impressive. Very impressive to the point of being almost frightening. France can be good. Which is why they won the last World Cup, I suppose. And there’s Portugal. The Ronaldo Team. The current holders of the Euro title. 

And its one of those three who England will play next. Ok, possibly Hungary but I know nothing about that team other than they’re probably another bunch of East European racist thugs. Best not to know their names. Even if you can pronounce them. 

But now Scotland are out of the tournament, I’m not sure if its worth watching at all. Because  they bring so much to the party. Unquestionably. But unfortunately they don’t bring sufficient to the football. Unlike  little, old, Luka Modric, the Croatian captain and midfield genius. Who, even at the almost ancient 35(!!!!), is just class personified. Not just that wonderfully exquisite goal but simply everything he does. Which he does without fouling, without fuss, without play-acting, without drama and without tattoos. He doesn’t even wear an Alice-band, FFS!

I’m waiting for England to ‘warm up’ to their challenge. Maybe then I’ll engage more. And get rid of the not-nice people.

Happy Wednesday

A xxxx