The success of the England team in reaching the final of the Euro 2020 football championships is bringing a much needed boost to most people’s morale. Also, for local businesses and especially pubs, the competition, and England’s games in particular, have brought a much needed increase in trade after a slow start following reopening after the last lockdown.

Gareth Southgate, the England manager, began his career at Crystal Palace (our nearest Premiership club, over the hill in South Norwood), playing at right back and central midfield. He became club captain and led the club to the 1993-94 First Division title. 

England have never won the Euros, while Italy have a single victory in 1968. In the World Cup the difference is starker: Italy have won that competition four times, while England have a single victory.

This is the first time since that 1966 World Cup victory that England has reached the final of a major international competition, and this brings local reminders of Pickles and the stolen World Cup trophy. The 68 or 196 from West Norwood will take you to the spot on Beulah Hill where Pickles found the stolen gold Jules Rimet trophy. This piece of local history is marked on google maps and commemorated by a Blue Plaque at the nearby St. Valery flats.

And football really is much more than a game. Read the open letter by Gareth Southgate for his important message on the identity of his squad of players and how they are proud and united in their attempts to bring success for the country. But also how they recognise their duty to continue to interact with the public on matters such as equality, inclusivity and racial injustice, while using the power of their voices to help put debates on the table, raise awareness and educate.

Come on England!

Our thanks to Friends of Gipsy Hill for this tremendous photo of Fanny, the famous station puss posing with the World Cup of South London Parks earlier this week.
Follow the Friends on Facebook here