Wembley, it appeared, was fully behind Lee Carsley. At least in that very few bothered to sing the national anthem.
The team-sheet/resignation draft would ultimately lower the tone still further, but our national stadium did nothing to liven it. Seldom does this place inspire. Too often it is like a concert venue without a band.
That is one win in five now and one in 2024, including defeats by Iceland and Greece. It has been said before, but Wembley Park Tube station was busier than Wembley Stadium by the time Greece scored their 94th-minute winner on Thursday. Here was this week’s second-biggest evacuation on the back of western Florida.
Why, then, do England not take more games on the road? Not so that folk around the country get a chance to see the team – that is a very good reason in itself – but more so to give them a better chance of winning!
Wembley is a problem, and maybe it always has been. Gary Neville said he hated playing there, albeit the old stadium. But there is something about the whole experience that leaves you cold, even on a summer’s night. See England 0 Iceland 1. June, 2024.
Lee Carsley’s bold strategy failed to yield success as his side’s defence was exposed by the visitors
England have won only one of their last five games at Wembley and only one in this calendar year
Greece claimed a famous 2-1 win over England at Wembley on Thursday night thanks to a double from Vangelis Pavlidis
It all feels like a fairly functional transaction for supporters, too. Tube. Picture of the arch. Wembley Way. Black Sheep Coffee. Clive Tyldesley reminding you there is no alcohol allowed on the street. Bag checked for contents. Wallet emptied of contents. Football. Beat the rush. Full-time whistle (in the distance).
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There is little scope to deviate from the pre-determined matchday experience. Little scope for expression or variety. And isn’t that reflected on the pitch? It’s all a bit meh, as those black sheep might sound. Players seem to shrink, not grow.
When was the last iconic Wembley performance, from the team or an individual? It certainly hasn’t been this year.
Of all the games hosted here during Euro 2020, meanwhile, only Germany in the last 16 truly stirred the senses. Their most comprehensive victory, remember, was in Rome against Ukraine.
Will it be different in four years’ time when we host Euro 2028? It would be if they played one or more of their matches in Liverpool, Manchester or Newcastle. At least that affords a sense of occasion, of uniqueness.
Ahead of Euro 2024, England played their first match at St James’ Park in nearly 20 years
Wembley internationals feel more like a mortgage payment. Another one done. Another transaction.
They don’t even bother with a singer for the national anthem. Maybe that is because they’d be the only one singing.
