England will get us on edge of our seats in support

IDEALLY we wish them hoisted up to the full height of a World Cup final, before watching them come crashing down. That’s the England football team, and us (their unforgiving neighbours). That’s how we make it work in our relationship. Except, usually we can’t help ourselves sneaking to the edges of our seats much earlier in the tournament, and gleefully watch England get vapourised... by anybody. Last Tuesday evening it was not quite like that. The Colombians were despicable in their cheating, and by the time the penalty kicks were being taken it was so damn hard not be a rooting for the Three Lions. This afternoon, in Samara, it would be funny if Sweden upended them after all their giddy celebrations this last week. It would be even better if Russia or Croatia ruined everything for them in next week’s semi-final. But, why would we want that? When we could have England meeting Brazil in a World Cup final – a game beyond our imagination and far out of reach of the hopes and dreams of England’s most adrent supporters? I’m telling you, we want Gareth Southgate’s (above) side in the World Cup final but, once they get there, I’m warning you all. We might want England to win.