It has the potential to lift a nation and to bring it right back down again. Euro 2020 kicks off this evening, while England start their campaign against Croatia on Sunday at Wembley. It will not be a standard Euros — for a start, it is 2021.
But after months of empty stadiums, the sight of fans back in seats and the sound of real, rather than computer-generated noise, is something to savour.
As for England, this is the most talented and likeable squad for many tournaments. Not just full of players who reached this season’s Champions League final, but also thoughtful, civic-minded young men.
They face a perilous route to the final, in a tournament packed with strong teams, including World Cup winners France, defending champions Portugal and a Belgian side filled with talent. But the England players have earned our respect and deserve our support.
Let’s hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and enjoy a summer of sport that for so long seemed out of reach.
