Euro '24

England vs Slovakia

Agony and ecstasy were the flavours of the day. And they were in no shortage of supply, as fans watched England line up against Slovakia, in their first knock out game of the Euros. It was a day of binaries for the English.

The anticipation of the prayed for poetry in motion, would soon give way to the reality of a prosaic style of play, all too often seen before.

Under the shifting south London sun and sky, pathetic fallacy ensued. The weather mirroring the collective mood.

An army of St George’s flags and orange bucket hat clad lads had assembled. And as the national anthem played, there were no signs of dismay. Hopeful, their headwear embraced the sun’s hue and with a kiss, back it blew.

It was this hope that contrasted the dread, swiftly extinguishing the light, when hands met head, and English fans sighed, “Here, we go again.”

Slovakia scored and deflated the bubble as the collective mind realised, “we’re in trouble.”

Missed opportunities incensed the crowd, as they threw up their arms, and cried out “how?!”.

There was joy, but for a moment when England seemed to have scored. But Foden had toed past the line, and the atmosphere soon died.

Some showed anger, others sorrow, some watched in disbelief. But by the 94th minute all were resigned to what seemed to be defeat.

But isn't it always the way, oh in this game, that in a mere matter of seconds, something can change.

As the net bulged, the sun once again seemed to peak. Pilsners went flying through the air and not one bum remained in its seat.

And soon after, another was added, to put the English ahead, and settle the matter.

Where there was frustration before, now there was laughter.

The previous two hours had been laid to rest. And all embraced all, banging the badge on their chests.