It's Coming Home! It's Coming Home!

I wrote a post not too long ago about how I wanted to be British. If you read the post, you know it was my dream in fifth grade, but now I’m proud to be an American. Although there was a change in my heart, there was one place my allegiance never changed. The United States has never been known to be a soccer country. Our youth grow up playing multiple different sports and never truly hone in on a single one until middle school or high school. English soccer (or as they call it, football) is much more serious. Almost every kid dreams of playing for their national team. I’ve been a loyal fan of the English national team for as long as I can remember. Whether it is a friendly match, the Euros, or the World Cup, I am ride or die for the Three Lions! I’m not great at paying attention to every match, but I love them. My favorite player was Raheem Sterling for a while, but recently I can’t stop thinking about Bukayo Saka. Ever since the 2020 (played in 2021) Euros, when I was watching the final driving across the Nevada desert, I’ve had a soft spot for him. Missing that penalty and facing all sorts of backlash killed me. I want revenge this year! Watching Harry Kane miss the penalty against France in the past World Cup lit my fire more than ever. After their win today in the semi-finals against the Netherlands, I thought it was the perfect time to write about how badly I want them to win. I was planning on this post today, win or lose. I’m so glad I don’t have to write about my disappointment. I can write about victory! Violet, my beautiful girlfriend, is currently in London. I am so unbelievably jealous. I would kill to be in a pub watching the finals against Spain and celebrating what could be a phenomenal victory. My dad is also a big fan of English soccer. I know he would also do anything to be sitting right next to me in that pub. Although anything can happen on Sunday, I will be sitting on my couch, nervous as all hell, hoping for a victory. It won’t be easy for them, but it should be a great game. When Ollie Watkins scored the game-winning goal in the ninetieth minute, my dad and I jumped out of our seats in celebration. I’ll be hoping for the same thing on Sunday. I’m already nervous, and we are four days out. All I can say is, it’s finally coming home! Come on, you Lions! Happy Wednesday, everyone!