England are in the semi-final of the World Cup 2018 in Russia. The last time that happened was in 1990; New Order produced a great World Cup song, John Barnes was the Raheem Stirling (What is it about those laid-back Jamaican-born folks that cannot produce on the International stage?) of the England team. Germany were a powerhouse and mentally were stronger than us despite the 1-1 scoreline and the penalty loss. So, can we get to the final? My heart screams YESSSSS!! Let's take a considered view
In my last blog, I berated Jordan Pickford for being a calamity waiting to happen. Since then, he has been our player of the knock-out rounds; without question. Harry Maguire had question marks over his ability and has not only smashed the doubts, he scored the first goal against Sweden; he, and John Stones, look truly international class. Despite my opening statements, Raheem Stirling is an unsung hero for England. His tireless work on and off the ball has enabled other players to find space and create opportunities. The telling moment for me was when the coach of Columbia chose to intimidate him at Half-Time; clearly he posed a threat to them otherwise. To his credit, and the rest of the team, he rose above it and kept his dignity. I recognised in the early stages that Columbia had a plan for him and I sense that the 'N' word was muttered into his ear lobes at regular intervals that night. One senses that the full devios extent of the tactics of the Colombians will be disclosed when the England team return early next week. For me that was the defining game for England, tenacity enabled them and the on-field leadership of the brilliant Jordan Henderson to emerge victorious. If England are to lift the World Cup on Sunday evening, that will be the game on which historians will focus.
And so to Croatia, a team that have featured on our landscape numerous times. Personally, I think they were the best team at the group stages but at the business end, I am not convinced that they have enough ability to beat us collectively but they do possess Luca Modric and Ivan Rakitic in midfield and that duo is dynamite! Yes! it will once again be nerve-tingling, but I feel that this is OUR time to shine. Our defence are fluid, disciplined and creative, our midfield will work very hard and I love our forward line regardless of whoever is in it. One of Rashford, Lingard, even Stirling and of course Harry Kane have a great chance to find the net and write their names in history. It's their match to lose and we, the Noel family are very excited.
Fly your flags, stand proud, sing the National Anthem with passion and dare to dream; Football is finally coming home. Come On England!
