They won it once, long time back, in an age when many footballers smoked, in a time when all sorts of technology were absent and the referee was the ultimate arbiter.
The star on the three lions, or England, has become faded from collective memory.
If you were around in 1966 when England won the World Cup then you are a senior, what our society reverently calls ‘Murubbi’.
Even someone born in 1966 is now sixty years old!
By the way, using modern technology, it now becomes clear that in the 1966 final, one of England’s goals did not cross the line.
The victory in 66 earned England many supporters, especially among the former colonies, where people who had served the colonial administration developing a fondness for the English team.
Most of those people are either deceased or, are not in a stage to withstand World Cup football tension.
In 2026, finding a St. George’s flag or a Union Jack on a rooftop anywhere in Bangladesh is a rarity.
England also fielded an impressive side in 1970 but lost to the sublime Brazil by a lone goal.
After that, they disappeared for two successive World Cups – 1974 and 1978, coming back in 1982.
In 1982, in the opening match against France, Bryan Robson scored the fastest goal for the team, within 27 seconds.
Eventually, England won 3-1.
Really!!!
France went on to make phenomenal progress winning the World Cup twice, 1998 and 2018.
What happened to the English?
No elaboration needed!
England had the strength and the talent to win the 1986 World Cup if Argentina had lost to them and then they were close to a final in 1990 but were beaten by – you guessed it, Germany in the penalties.
That image of a distraught Paul Gascoigne crying is still vivid.
England again failed to qualify in 1994 and since then, the team never looked like a squad capable of winning the World Cup.
Every time the World Cup comes, the English fans begin chanting about the ‘Cup coming home’ but every time it goes somewhere else.
One wonders, if the Cup itself feels England is home anymore!
England has quality players and, on their day, can be devastating, the question is can they shine at the crucial knock out stage games?
Sixty years is a long time, and they desperately need a trophy!
But the way to the final is a thorny one – and the first challenge is from DR Congo.
England’s adversary at the round of 32 is D R Congo, a dark horse, which has come to the World Cup after 52 years.
I mean, this match has ‘history’ written all over it.
When DR Congo played in 1974, it was called Zaire.
That World Cup adventure for Zaire ended on sour note.
Patronised by the then dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, Zaire players were handsomely rewarded when the team qualified for the World Cup.
However, when they came to play, they found out that their bonus had been embezzled by officials travelling with the team.
A demoralised Zaire team took the field against Yugoslavia, losing 9-0.
This humiliation was taken personally by Mobutu and an order came from him via presidential guards that the team should not concede more than 3 goals against Brazil.
If they did, they would not be able to return home.
In that match, during a Brazil free kick, a Zairian player lost his nerve, ran and then shot the ball outside.
Thankfully, Zaire lost 3-0.
Or perhaps, Brazilians were considerate.
Anyway, Mobutu is no more, Zaire is changed to DR Congo and the team has made it to the round of 32.
Logic states, England should win but beware of the leopards!
