Before the final they were the model to follow, between the great solidarity shown by the individuals to the sensitivity of the group towards the Black Lives Matter movement – always kneeling in the pre-match the Three Lions – and the other causes that they defended from the beginning with sword drawn. . Sterling, Kane and the other Southgate men had made England shine not only on the pitch, but off the pitch as well.
The English national team during Euro 2020 was able to become testimonial of the differences and receive ovations from fans from all over the world. In the meantime, Italy was under accusation, by its own fans and by those of other more sympathetic national teams, for the (non) stance on kneeling. On the choice, discussed, to do it in solidarity “with the opponents if they choose to support Black Lives Matter” and not with the whole cause.
Immediately after Sancho’s last penalty saved by Donnarumma who gave us the 2020 Euro Cup, the images that have traveled around the world have told another story. Because the British, taking off the medal immediately after the award ceremony, attracted the negative opinions of many fans, not only on social networks. An English team had paved the way. Or rather, one of his coaches: Pep Guardiola, at the helm of Manchester City, in May had taught the world how to do it after a defeat. A kiss with his head held high for the second place medal, a gesture that had attracted cheers from all the fans. Taking it off, in reality, is an old, bad habit of the ball: obviously second place does not make anyone happy, but in the eyes of the beholder it is increasingly seen as a lack of respect for the winner.
So England woke up this morning with style lessons from all over the world, struck by the indignation – also expressed by Premier Johnson and the Royal House – for the racist insults to the black players of the national team addressed by some fans on social networks for which an investigation was opened. The examples of solidarity and sensitivity of the players and the English team remain, Sterling, Kane and teammates remain models to follow. Just as Italy remains the national team that first did not take sides, then did it in an atypical way that was not appreciated by most.
But the anthem of Mameli whistled at Wembley, the insults to the players, especially the “shame of the medals”, as it was called and this is attributable to the team, immediately after the award ceremony are spots, borne by fans and players, who viewers from all over Europe noticed. A blow to the English style.