I missed the World Cup quarterfinals because of Wimbledon. I have no regrets! But I gather that people want to talk about World Cup, so here you go. On Saturday, all four quarterfinal matches were played: England v. Sweden; Russia v. Croatia; Brazil v. Belgium; France v. Uruguay. The winners: England, Croatia, Belgium and France. This year’s World Cup final four (and final) will be an all-European affair, if we’re still considering England to be part of Europe in the era of Brexit. On Tuesday, France and Belgium will play for a spot in the final, and on Wednesday, England plays Croatia.
English/British people are going crazy with the turn of events. I’m not completely sure, but it feels like Great Britain, on the whole, went into the World Cup thinking that they would be disappointed yet again. Now that the team is on the cusp of greatness and a spot in the final, no one is sure what to do next. There are British people literally dancing in the streets. Pubs are being filled to capacity with merry football fans. I love scenes like this:
ENGLAND 1 – 0 SWEDEN !!! Harry Maguire scores and Times Square Newcastle erupts!!! #WorldCup18 #ItsComingHome pic.twitter.com/DsEykz7tKe
— Metro Radio News (@MetroRadioNews) July 7, 2018
Anyway, the honorary president of England’s Football Association is Prince William, and once again, William must have stormed into the Kensington Palace communications office to personally dictate a celebratory tweet:
You wanted to make history @England and you are doing just that. This has been an incredible #WorldCup run and we’ve enjoyed every minute. You deserve this moment – Football’s Coming Home! W
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) July 7, 2018
And this happened too:
🎶📽 The Bands of the Guards Division played a very special rendition of the "Three Lions – It's Coming Home" song on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace yesterday ahead of England’s World Cup quarter-final game with Sweden.
© @ArmyInLondon #WorldCup #SWEENG pic.twitter.com/YKublhJHrG— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 7, 2018
Even Boy George is thrilled:
Yes England! #ItsComingHome #WorldCup18
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) July 7, 2018
So let me ask: what are England’s chances versus Croatia? From what I understand, the Croatian team has been playing out of their minds the entire World Cup. What will happen if Croatia beats England?
Photos courtesy of Pacific Coast News.
Croatia are an objectively better team but they’ve had two long tough games and so might be more worn out. Also in this tournament anything could happen.
Great to have another article on the World Cup, just a couple of notes:
– please don’t taint this wonderful surprising event with the mention of Brexit
– Not all of Britain will be celebrating. I imagine there are some Welsh and Scottish people who are rather fed up with the whole thing.
Yeah just the English celebrating this one… most of the rest of ‘great’ Britain actively want them to lose. Its mean I know, but football is boring if you dont have a passion, and the rivalry between neighbouring nations is normal so at least it makes it fun to watch if you can genuinely root for another team (although I actually would celebrate the Scots, and the Welsh if they did well).
Yes, it depends on the person, the English hating Scots and Welsh are talked about a lot during international tournaments but in my experience there are plenty who either don’t care or genuinely wish us well.
I dislike football but I do wish this young England team well, particularly as there is a genuine passion to play for their country and to play good football as a team. I never got behind previous England teams as the players were very much a bunch of arrogant, over paid babies who were only interested in the media exposure and money from sponsorship playing for their country gave them – their ego’s wouldn’t let them play as a team or see past the club level.
Am Scottish BTW and have long given up on seeing Scotland ever qualify again for a World Cup – our team is soo bad. Scottish football in general has just gone to the dogs.
I’m not sure if we’re better on paper ( our midfield is arguably the best in the world, but your strikes are better). We haven’t played well in the last 2 games, but we usually do better against teams that don’t play as defensively as Denmark and Russia, and we play much better if we’re the underdog. So the match against England should be interesting. The fact that we playes 30 minutes longer might impact our performance too. And England has been really impressive so far too.
I really really hope we win. There is 4 million of us, we have been independent for less than 30 years and this is our second time to reach the semifinals of the bigges sports competition in the world.
I was a kid in ’98 so I don’t remember it, but yesteday in Zagreb was insane. I never felt anything like it. People were going crazy, jumping in fountains, there was such a trafic jam it took me 2 hours to get home. It was magnificent.
I’m hoping Croatia takes the cup. I have nothing against the other teams, and I doubt my country will ever have a FIFA quality soccer team, so I’m free to choose whatever country I want. This year I’m going to celebrate with Croatia.
I am hoping with Lady D. I don’t care about soccer at all but I am rooting for Croatia. They played really well. They are on fire.
I was at PrideLondon yesterday and people were acting like it was the final – the fans, as usual, are getting ahead of themselves. England played well yesterday but its not over yet and if England lose to Croatia the fans will lose their sh!t as they now think they will win it just because they have a team that are playing well.
Southgate has done wonders with the team and he should be applauded for his efforts.
Plus its nice to see that the FA’s President is actually showing some support, we know he doesn’t do this for everyone *cough*BAFTA’s*cough*.
Believe me, not everyone thinks it was a final or is getting ahead of themselves. Literally, no-one thought this team would get out of the group stages let alone get to the semi-finals (England finished bottom of their group at the 2014 World Cup). This is a once in a lifetime experience for a lot of people especially those born after 1990.
As a Philadelphia Eagles fan who still can’t quite believe we won the Super Bowl, I understand this. Every win made me more nervous because I was sure we’d stumble at the last hurdle. I was a pessimist right up until it was official. 😂
Yeah as a Cubs fan, with a 108 year losing streak, nothing was in the bag until the last out.
I know how you feel, minx. I’ve been waiting 103 years for Lord Stanley’s Cup to return to Vancouver. I have the feeling it will be another 5-10 years at least before we even have a team with contender abilities.
Lady D, good luck! Hope you don’t beat our record for futility.
Listen, I’m not a fan of much of anything except hockey. And I’m a Leafs fan. We haven’t won a Stanley Cup since 1967. If you’re supporting England, ENJOY THIS. Enjoy it. Have fun. Be crazy. Don’t think twice about it. I hate England and I know they’ll be insufferable, but even so. This is a sort of joy that you only get every once in a generation. It’s a sort of joy that teams that win consistently and are good, solid contenders don’t get to experience. It’s the underdog’s World Cup, and wherever it ends, it’s going to be great. Have fun.
Didn’t Will attend the Bafta’s this year? During his speech, he mentioned the work he had been doing with different organisations linked to BAFTA, places he had been visiting/supporting. Anyway, it is nice to see everyone come together, especially after all the doom and gloom of Brexit.
No one thinks that. We had all basically got to a point where we had so little expectation and were so disappointed (and frankly disgusted) with previous England teams that we are already pleased as punch. I need no more. Anything else is already a bonus. Southgate is a total gentleman, the players follow his lead – they’ve been lovely and a credit to England. We’d give ’em a bus tour through London now if they came home.
I’m actually part Croatian, so I like when the Croats do well. I won’t mind if they go all the way either. I’m just glad that the really bad ‘cheating’ teams are out.
The only football team and #cominghome I’m interested in today is the one currently undertaking the most perilous journey from inside a cave in Chiang Rai. They and the team of divers enabling this own all my awe, respect, hopes and prayers.
I heard 6 boys are out so far.
Now they’ve revised it back to four.
+ 1 … and thank you for the update, minx.
4 out. Truly a miracle when you look at the journey the boys had to take. Rescue operation to continue tomorrow once all the oxygen tanks are refueled, the divers rested and refreshed and all the safety measure in place.
Their collective resilience and courage is just awe-inspiring. Prayers that the rest of the team reach terra firma.
England is still European, just not the EU [*sobs*].
Whatever happens the team will be given a great welcome home – they’ve exceeded expectations and that’s why people were celebrating so much. Plus nobody was expecting it from a novice team. This is the furthest they’ve got in the competition since 1990.
I’m rooting for Croatia! They were amazing in the first few WC matches (yesterday’s match was a bit more cautious), have a great team and incredible players, especially Modric. He was still chasing the ball in the final minutes yesterday when the others basically couldn’t walk anymore.
Would be all kinds of awesome to see Croatia vs. Belgium in the final!
That’s the final I’m rooting for!
I am also rooting for Croatia! They have played so well in the WC and they truly deserve to get to the finals, yesterday went it went to PKs I was freaking out but I’m so glad they pulled through. I am Colombian born and was really dissapointed how all the South American teams played and dont even get me started on that diver neymar. Ugh! But Belgium and Croatia have played superb! Not to mentioned how humble both teams are. They have my respect!
I am rooting for this final as well!!!!!
The atmosphere is like this all over the world except north america during world cup.
England will always be part of Europe, not every european country is in the EU.
As for wednesday, sorry for W but that’s as far as they go in this WC.
I love that William is tweeting. He should do it more! Seeing a more personal side of him makes me like him more (like I thought it was cute seeing him watch the game in Jordan with the crown prince, etc.)
As an American who only vaguely follows soccer/football – what does “its coming home” mean?
The phrase “it’s coming home” is from the song called “Three Lions” read this link for an explanation…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Lions
“Three Lions” is a song released in 1996 as a single by English band The Lightning Seeds to mark the England football team’s participation in that year’s European Championships, held in England”
“The lyrics, unlike most football songs, speak not of unbounded optimism for victory, but instead talk of how, ever since 1966 and the one success of the English football team, every tournament has ended in dashed hopes. However, the repeated failures have not dampened the feeling that England could again reach those heights”
Since England invented soccer/football, if they win then the trophy/game will have “come home.” They are claiming it as theirs.
Team Croatia! This WC is pretty meaningful for Croatia too! It’s been 20 years since Croatia won bronze at the WC in France in 1998. People are estatic over here, it’s madness really and football has always been a great unifier!
That penalty shoot-out was wild. I was on my feet in front of the TV alternately cheering and turning my back as the players stepped forward.
People definitely were not expecting to last as long as they have in the World Cup. The mere fact England has made it to the semi finals is amazing considering England hasn’t been in one since 1966. If they lose to Croatia, I think England (the country) will be proud of how the team has done regardless.
1990, actually. I know that because, despite not giving a toss about football, this fact has been jammed into my brain by the wall to wall World Cup coverage!
The last 2 games mentioned were on Friday…
I can see it clearly, the final : France vs England. Either team winning I’ll be happy.
My heart says France but who know !
FRANCE ! To celebrate the 20h anniversary of our Last and only world cup win.
It’s amazing to be able to be poud of our national team again. We’ve been through some rough shit between 2002 and 2014 (despite the 2006 finale) with our shitty whiny scumbags of players (still feeling the shame of the 2010 bus episode)
I would like to see Croatia and France in the final so we can repay you for that defeat in 98′. Anyways, good luck and may the best win team win the WC! 🙂
Hahaha. We now have Benjamin Pavard to replace Lilian Thuram 😉
But seriously I hope we make it. The Belgium team is really strong.
Good lucky for your semi !
Bus episode? I did try google.
In the battle of midfield, where games are won and lost, Croatia and Belgium have two of the best midfielders in Luka Modric and Kevin DeBruyne, respectively. I am expecting the Final to be those two teams.
How’s this for a fun fact?
Not since the inaugural WC tourney of 1930 has a team from Brazil or Italy or Germany not been in the Semi-Finals.
Mind you, Italy and Germany declined to participate in 1930. Remarkable!
… Eric, why did Italy and Germany decline to participate in 1930 ?
It was held in Uruguay (because they were the reigning Olympic champions). Only 3 European teams made the harsh trek over water to be there.
The Euros were a bit disappointed that the inaugural WC was held in, to them, such a remote place and most invited teams from Europe declined the invite. Only 13 nations participated in the first WC, including Brazil. But alas, Brazil did not qualify for the semis.
Ah Modric…. the most unfit looking fit man in the world. The poor thing always looks so unhealthy and sad.
Neither Belgium or Croatia have ever been in the final, so I’d be happy for them both to make it.
Having said that, it’s been nice to see this English team play together as they represent us as a nation far more than our political class and/or activists. I love that they are teeeting about their mums, rather than parading WAG’s like 2006! I’m also becoming a huge fan of Gareth Southgate, who is making it ‘cool’ to be a gentleman and seems to have taught his lads how to behave like men, rather than the hooligan stereotype we have so often lived up to. I am not normally an English football fan, mainly because I can’t stand the obnoxious fans, but this year feels different. They’re setting such a great example for so many of their fans, I can’t help but support.
Also, anyone but France 😆
you don’t have to be a part of the European Union to be a part of Europe, though.
Well, if that happens, WE WILL CELEBRATE!!!
GO, CROATIA 🙂
The English team is coming home, not the trophey.
GO CROATIA!!☺
The English team is coming home with the trophy!
Come on England! 😀
So cute
It’s coming home!
#ThreeLions
#England
🇬🇧
Vive la France!!! 🇫🇷
This has been the strangest summer so far here. I mean – we’ve had what = four weeks now of sunny weather in the south? My front lawn is as brown and my poor doggie has just about had it – but damn, nice weather sure does change a mood. A decent World Cup – Wimbledon is on – there are festivals all over the place to go listen to. The Henley regatta is finishing up today. Feels lovely.
Man, we were at Henley today and it was boiling! The dog literally wanted to do nothing but sit under a catering table being snuck fruit and ice cubes 😂
I buy those little single serving containers of cat food, then freeze them to give to the cats outside as popsicles when it gets really hot. It hits the mid 30’s+ on a regular basis😁 here in the summer.
Watch out, the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish won’t be happy to see you lump them in with the English, haha. The way we’ve been playing we have a good chance against Croatia, they were badly flagging in their match against Russia, we totally outclassed Sweden.
England/United Kingdom will always be geographically located in Europe but just not a member of the European Union if Brexit does push through.
My thinking is just one match at a time. Most people that I’ve spoken to thought that Sweden were going to beat them but they didn’t. So, for me and my family, we will continue to do what we always do which is to support them. Especially as this team is so much different from the previous England squads and they seem to all have a good head on their shoulders.
One of the players in the squad’s family are my neighbours so it is even extra special whenever he is on the pitch.
Remember in 2015 when England’s women’s team made the semi finals? They ultimately won the bronze medal against France.
Did people pile out into squares or pile into pubs to watch the 3 Lionesses’ games? No?
Why so sexist, England?
As far as I am concerned, the upcoming game will be West Indies vs. Croatia. That English team is made up of a majority of Caribbean people. Over here in the Caribbean (especially Jamaica, an island where a bunch of Windrushers have been deported to…) we must remind the English that we have always ALWAYS served your country well…and many times thanklessly, I might add. So kindly give a nod to a team that it is built up of dedicated immigrants.
This is so true. Where would the England team be and the Premier League for that matter without the children of immigrants?
William truly is an unattractive man. Inside and out.
Wwhy are we only celebrating the England team? The French, Belgian are far superior and the Croatians even have a better team. England had just been incredibly lucky that they have had a ridiculously easy route and luck with key players for the only somewhat strong team they faced being injured.
Funny thing is a more talented and experienced England team from 2,5,10 or 15 years ago would have lost to any of the teams England faced at this World Cup because England have made it a painful habit of losing to teams they should be beating. That abysmal loss to Iceland in 2016 anyone???. This young and inexperienced team haven’t done that, they haven’t been so cocky to underestimate any of their opponents. The coach and the players themselves deserve some credit there.
Oh and if you want to talk about ridiculously easy routes take look at who Germany faced at the 2002 World Cup. That route surely has to take the top spot for the easiest route to the final…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_FIFA_World_Cup_Final#Route_to_the_final
Of the remaining teams, I’m rooting for France first. But I’m okay with anyone except England winning, lol. English futbol fans drive me nuts and I hate that stupid Football is Coming Home nonsense. They’ve been incredibly lucky to have a fairly easy path to the finals – but I want Croatia to slaughter them.
Also I hope they find and punish the fans who trashed a friggin IKEA after England beat Sweden. Who does that? Nobody messes with IKEA.
I used to like England and thought of them as a quite nice team… They invented football and all that. But people on twitter (Matt Lewis I’m looking at you) and the english press have been so arrogant I’m actually cheering for everyone BUT England now
I wanted Croatia to beat Russia, so yay! I’m too superstitious to say more on the winner. Ha ha.
I want England to win, of course (never in my LIFE did I think I would fancy Gareth Southgate, but I do) but now that Russia is out, it’s all good. Any of the four remaining teams would be deserving winners.
I hope Belgium wins the cup, theyve been playing well and have been a pleasure to watch.
This word cup has truly been the most unpreditable and the most exciting one ive ever watched.