In England, soccer is part of the national identity, a reflection of the country and its position in the world, and a constant topic of discussion, argument and excitement with fellow countrymen. So you should know about it before you set off for England.
As an English insider and trusted soccer expert, I’m finally going to tell you the truth about our national sport. Our following information can help you to make the right call to get slotsgem casino bonuses.
The history lesson
The wonderful game takes us way back into England’s past. The first carved depiction of a soccer game can be found near medieval Bristol, and the first recorded pair of soccer boots was worn by none other than Henry VIII, who ordered a pair for his wardrobe in 1526.
In the early days, the sport was a little more brutal than we know it today (there are worryingly many references to broken arms and legs in medieval texts), but over the last few decades soccer has emancipated itself from its barbaric, violent roots and evolved into a fast, technically complex game that has spawned a new breed of nimble, skillful players.
This evolution on the pitch reflects the changes that have taken place in English society. In the 1970s and 80s, both British soccer fans and the police preferred to use violence, which can also be explained by the high level of unemployment as a result of the country’s deindustrialization. Today, on the other hand, everything seems to be sunshine and roses. The stadiums are cozy and inviting, whether in Cambridge or Bournemouth.
So why do the British keep losing?
There are passionate debates in pubs up and down the country about why England keep losing to Germany on penalties. The current argument goes like this: Since the Premier League was formed in 1992, broadcasters have made billions from buying broadcasting rights. But instead of sharing the profits, private companies have taken over all the former local clubs and bought in players from abroad to make English soccer more attractive internationally. So there is no more grassroots funding at local level, and no promotion of talent from their own city or region. Is that enough to explain why so many penalties are missed? Maybe not, but it’s certainly enough to spark a lively discussion on your next visit to the UK.
Soccer ‘rivalries’ and what lies behind them
It wasn’t so long ago that we Brits were under the misconception that the England national team had several legendary rivalries, for example with Germany and Brazil. It’s hilarious, of course, because both teams (although it hurts to admit it) play in a completely different league, metaphorically speaking at least, and probably don’t even realize that we consider them great rivals. The only legitimate and oldest rival in the history of English soccer is, of course, our neighbor Scotland, the “Auld Enemy” or old enemy on whose fighting spirit we can always rely.
Soccer is English culture!
The so-called “golden generation”, which includes the likes of Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard and our savior Mr. Beckham, may be long gone from the field, but on every muddy pitch behind a school, soccer continues to be a weekly ritual in the lives of countless young Brits and their parents across the country. What motivates and drives us are the country’s own F.A. Cup evenings, where under-funded lower league teams take on Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United for their chance at a little bit of glory. Completely unknown players – sometimes even just amateur footballers – are given the opportunity to score a goal that will put their name in the annals of English soccer.