EURO 2020 finally reaches it’s conclusion this weekend and for Hotline callers there could very well be an unpalatable truth lying in store.
Unless you’ve been on holiday on Mars then the fact England stand just 90 minutes or so from glory won’t have escaped your attention.
Only the might of Italy can now stop the Three Lions’ charge. And callers were unanimous in throwing their weight behind Roberto Mancini’s men.
Before we get to that though there was a little domestic debate to be had. It is transfer window season after all.
Gerry Milligan, Erskine, said: “Very little happening at Parkhead after three weeks of Ange Postecoglou's reign. Aaron Hickey seems to be off beam now and dithering saw Charlie Wyke sign for Wigan - he’s this window's version of Ivan Toney. It’s not an inspiring start.”
Kevin Kean, Inchinnan, added: “ Celtic should try Luca Connell at right back as that's the only way he might get a start, I also suggest we go for Demetri Mitchell who looked good in his spell at Hearts couple of seasons ago and wouldn’t be hard to get him off Blackpool.”
But Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: “Celtic and Rangers will both lose a couple of major players this summer but the difference is Celtic will be able to add the money to the millions they have in the bank and buy new players while Rangers will use it to pay back loans and fill the gaps with free transfer bench warmers like Fashion Sakala and John Lundstrum.”
Onto Sunday’s Euro 2020 final now. And it’s not hard to work out where Hotline allegiances lie.
James McClean, Isle of Bute, said: “Yes England beat a poor Danish team with an own goal, a very soft penalty and nine games at home. I will be rooting for Italy so that the arrogant English press and supporters get shut up once and for all.”
Alan Lough, Dunbar, said: “Giorgio Chiellini to lift the European Championship trophy and Lionel Messi to lift the Copa America and finally get the monkey off his back. It’s a perfect weekend and never again will the English have the brass neck to rant about the hand of god after what they did to Denmark.”
Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, said: “It was a poor decision by the ref to award the penalty in the semi final. Justice was very nearly done with a good save from Kasper Schmeichel. Again all the luck went England's way just as it did in the 1966 world cup final.”
Speaking of the penalty and UEFA have launched a probe over a laser pen shone at Schmeichel moments before Kane’s spot kick. Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: “I believe the laws of the game state that, should a player be attacked during a match by opposing fans, the match is stopped and a 3-0 scoreline is awarded to the affected team. Will UEFA apply the rules as a laser pen was an attack on the Danish keeper to try and give England an unfair advantage? We live in the 2020's and if the rules are not applied this will tell us the true story of corruption by the bigwigs of the game.”
Meanwhile Lewis Fotheringham, Mount Ellen, said: “I can't fathom how some nations were allowed to play in their own stadiums during the Euros as surely it would have made sense for everyone to play in neutral venues. The likes of England, Scotland and Netherlands played most of their matches at home.
"However Ukraine and Sweden had to travel to Hampden Park for their match, and Wales were made to make the long journey to Baku. It doesn't make sense.”
Andy Adams, Kirkcaldy, has a genuine reason to want an Italian victory. He said: “I see the English want Boris to give England a bank holiday if they win on Sunday. Can we have one if they lose? Forza Italia!”
And to end on a positive note, Allan Docherty emailed: “This Glasgow born Scot wants England to win. If they do and we beat them in a friendly we will kings of Europe, a bit like Baxter and co in 67.”
