England’s old hub Nottingham soars, sinks with team

This team have taken us to a place we never thought we’d ever imagine we’d get. England had never overachieved, but this team have in reaching the semifinal

NOTTINGHAM: Till the wee hours of Thursday, loud drunken voices could be heard in the area close to the India cricket team hotel. Almost everyone had gone home, hearts sombre after the defeat, but a few football tragics were wasted.

Wednesday evening in Nottingham had started with much energy as the kick-off between England and Croatia neared. The sports pubs at St Peter’s Square, Friar Lane, Old Market Area, Trent Bridge and places around the Nottingham Forest were all packed, as this beautiful town came together to watch the biggest game of this generation — the World Cup semi-final.

A massive St George’s Cross flag adorned the entire front of the imposing Royal Concert Hall. The city was decked up for the game, the English flag flew everywhere — people had it wrapped around them, flew it on cars and displayed it on their windows.

As luck would have it, for the last two cycles, the India cricket team’s tour of England has coincided with the World Cup. In 2014, when the World Cup final was on, India were playing at Trent Bridge. The Indian media contingent could comfortably watch Germany lift the title at the majestic Southern Bank sports bar on the bank of river Trent as it was a non-event in Nottingham.

Cut to Wednesday, and the popular sports pub was bursting at its seams. There was no breathing space and a sizeable queue was at the entrance. The packed crowd sang along full blast as the national anthem was played at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.

For the current generation, Nottingham Forest won’t strike a chord, but this city has seen days when it was the most dominant club in England and Europe, during the legendary manager Brian Clough’s days.

At St Peter’s square, the most happening part of the city, the young crowd had parked themselves. As the game started, police made its presence felt. The atmosphere outside the pub, The Bank, was extremely charged and a sizeable number of policemen had taken position at its gates, issuing early warnings.

At the lobby of the hotel (Britannia), opposite to where the India team is staying, some senior couples were among the crowd. They were watching England play their third semi-final.

Ian Hartnack, who described himself as an electrical officer at Sea (Merchant Navy), recalled following England’s 1966 World Cup final against West Germany. “I remember vividly, I was 21 and at Sunderland, following that final’s commentary.”

Hartnack had seen enough football to recognise quality. While he staunchly backed England, he was pragmatic after the loss. “I am devastated but I believe they would have lost the final, even if they had played the final. France are very strong and will beat Croatia too. England were lucky with the draw, they got easy games.”

At the end of the game, as a precautionary measure, the police vans blocked the pub entrances in the city centre, but there was no trouble. Crowds converged from many lanes, making a beeline towards the bus and tram stations.

Now we have a new level of expectation. But many of these players have come of age on an international stage. I couldn’t be prouder with what they’ve done

GARETH SOUTHGATE, England team coach