Football fever has gripped England...
Now, traditionally as an Irishman I like to see the English beaten in things like football and war (an old Tommy Tiernan joke).
But you know what... I'm ok with it with this team. I'm happy to jump on the bandwagon.
This is a team that, dare I say it, I would be very happy to see achieve great things on the field because of the message they push off the field.
It's a diverse team that pushes a message of inclusivity, helping others and of course it contains the greatest Englishman in the history of time - Marcus Rashford
Magic Marcus
For those of you unfamiliar with the story of Marcus Rashford I encourage you to seek out this young man's tale and read it.
The son of a single mother Marcus survived on free school meals as a child whilst his mother worked several jobs to support him and his siblings.
He has gone on to become one of the greatest athletes in the world, captaining his country and playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world - and at age 23 none of those things are even close to the most incredible of his achievements.
Last year he convinced the UK government to u-turn on their policies which would have seen children go hungry over the COVID period. He followed this up with a national campaign of community support for the most vulnerable in society. Because of his actions £400 million was allocated to support those most in need.
Not to be finished there he also released a children's book called "you are a champion" which is aimed at helping young people with their development with positive and practical advice. He is a staunch advocate of reading for young people
I f*cking love Marcus Rashford because he has come from the humblest of origins and achieved success and probably riches beyond belief but his only thought is to give back. He is going to single handedly leave a positive influence on millions of young people.
In a world full of absolute cynicism and sh*te its amazing to be able to point at someone like him and say "see one person doing the right things the right way CAN make a change in this world". He's the kind of person you want your kid to have posters of. He's made being a good person cool
Having said all that
I'm only accepting 2 scenarios this weekend.
A dominant Italian win cause I love the Italians and their manager is stylish af
or
Marcus smashing the game winner in from 40 with an absolute screamer and celebrating by forcing politicians to create a better and more inclusive society.
It's coming home
Stephen
p.s.
I had the Ukraine and North Macedonia is the company sweepstake so I was briefly a die hard north macedonian fan. It wasn't much fun to be honest because every team smashed us!