The Euros give a glimpse of a purer patriotism
Keep yourself updated with free information
Just register for the Life & Arts myFT Digest and receive it in your email inbox.
A couple of weeks prior to Euro 2024 kicking off, I had an idea: let's organize a work competition. I sent out an email to everyone and crossed my fingers that more than one person would participate. I didn't need to stress though, as I received an overwhelming amount of responses to the group email.
The positive feedback has led to me organizing two competitions – one for specific countries and another more complex one involving predicting goals and keeping track of results on a constantly updated spreadsheet. This has brought out a new aspect of my personality (have I mentioned the spreadsheet?) and has also inspired my colleagues. One of them even brought in a European wall chart for the office, while another jokingly referred to me as a ladette, a nickname I hope will not stick around for long.
This year, the office has been like a small version of the Euros. Even my coworkers who aren't fans of soccer have been talking about it in a joking way: "Oh, is something going on today?" one said on a recent England match day. The tournament has brought a different kind of excitement to both fans and non-fans alike. Instead of the usual boring conversations like "How are you?" or "how was your weekend?", people are now starting conversations with phrases like "Presumably you saw...?" It's not that anyone has changed, but there's a new energy in the air.
During the Euros, there is a sense of commonality that cannot be avoided. It is different from supporting a club team like Nottingham Forest, where wearing a scarf can lead to various reactions. Instead, there are moments when I realize that there are many others who are just as passionate about the tournament. It could be a nod from someone passing by while I am carrying beer before a game, or a chat with a delivery driver. Sometimes it is not about acknowledging each other, but rather imagining that we are all connected in some way - that our experiences are similar and our emotions are shared. This feeling of unity was something I experienced frequently during the pandemic, as we were all brought together by a common experience and knew that everyone around us was living in the same uncertain world.
The Euro tournament is an exciting event. Last weekend, when Jude Bellingham scored a spectacular bicycle kick goal, I found myself among the many fans cheering at the TV. Watching the team achieve the seemingly impossible was a thrilling experience. It was like a colorful kaleidoscope: millions of people at home, in the pub, or driving while listening to the radio, all hoping for something amazing to happen. And when the unexpected goal was scored, it was a moment of pure exhilaration.
These moments serve as points of understanding that will be remembered later: Scotland's unfortunate fate... did you catch the expression on Modrić's face?... how many times will Ronaldo miss before he hangs up his boots? These moments hint at a bigger question - were you present? - that carries more weight than just watching a football match. When these observations are shared, they create a picture, a collective map of what a nation has experienced together and separately. The impact grows when considering fans in other countries, who are also making similar marks on their own maps.
Watching international soccer tournaments makes me feel a sense of togetherness and pride that I don't typically experience. Every few years, for a month, I get a taste of what it means to support my country. It also helps me understand the concept of true patriotism. I know that English soccer fans are not always known for their positive displays of patriotism, but rooting for England brings out those feelings in me.
England can be a challenging place, with underlying racism and outdated ideas about nationality. Despite being a wealthy country, basic necessities like transportation, healthcare, and housing are hard to come by. This makes the concept of being English and having a shared identity complex. However, when our athletes are competing, there is a shift in the atmosphere that I can sense. It inspires me to embrace a version of Englishness that feels right to me. This journey of self-discovery is ongoing and extends beyond the excitement of a tournament. Nevertheless, it is a positive outcome that I welcome.
Rebecca Watson has a new book out called "I Will Crash" and it's published by Faber.
