So here it is. The day that I wondered if I would ever see. England in a tournament Final for the first time since 1966 and all that. It's been a long time coming! Writing this in advance of the match, one wonders what the day will hold for England. Will we get a monumental victory and have a day that we'll be talking about for decades to come (as 1966 has haunted us for the past 55 years) or will we have to console ourselves with the achievement of reaching the Final but no more than that? There's no way of knowing until the match itself gets played of course but at least we can point to home advantage, as was the case in 1966, as well as a solid defence and an England side containing a few of the World's top players. My own favourite, Harry Kane, has assumed the mantle of England's leading scorer, not just in this tournament but also in all tournaments for England. Ever. Well at least he's level on ten tournament goals with one Gary Lineker. I'd love him to get another tonight!
Until tonight I thought I'd leave it to the English romantic poet William Blake to stir the soul and passion of every proud Englishman. Take a moment to read his splendid poem on this day of days in English history:
And did those feet in ancient timeWalk upon England's mountains green:And was the holy Lamb of God,On England's pleasant pastures seen!And did the Countenance Divine,Shine forth upon our clouded hills?And was Jerusalem builded here,Among these dark Satanic Mills?Bring me my Bow of burning gold:Bring me my arrows of desire:Bring me my Spear: O clouds unfold!Bring me my Chariot of fire!I will not cease from Mental Fight,Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand:Till we have built Jerusalem,In England's green & pleasant Land.
Come on England!
CRB Match No. 2434
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