It only got better as I got older. We would head to the pub in big groups, drink copious amounts and chant and sing 'It's coming home' and 'Vindaloo' (to name a couple of classics) until our voices were hoarse and they kicked us out. Win and we'd sing some more and people would throw beer around until we were soaked. I've never quite worked it out but England winning seems to be the only time this is socially acceptable and even welcome. One time I caught a pint right on the side of my head but all I did was smile, cheer and hug the large hairy man that had thrown it. You see when England win all is well. Lose and we'd file out dejected and someone would start a fight. But we always came back. Somehow every year we did still believe that it was our time.
So, imagine my surprise when after living in Australia for a couple of years (and might I add getting up for games at 4am with a die hard contingent of fellow ex pats) I get back and find that all is not as I left it. Cars aren't streaming tacky but patriotic England flags, my favourite pub to watch the games isn't totally buzzing two hours before the game, people aren't decked out in flags and face paint, there aren't a huge amount of chants and people don't really stick around after the game to celebrate and throw beer on me. TV viewing figures show large viewing audiences of people tuning in, meaning we have an army of 'armchair supporters'. Have we really decided a win is so unlikely we won't even bother to leave the house for it? What's happened?
Whatever the reason, I refuse to give up hope that the glory days will return. Win or lose, getting out and supporting your country is a good thing. We should be proud to be English. Having lived in Australia I can tell you they are proud to be Australian and they're not afraid to show it. For the World Cup 2010 I went to an Australia game in Darling Harbour at 4am one morning and it was packed with supporters who remained optimistic even though we have to be honest that football is not really their strong sport and even when they got thrashed 4-0 by Germany (sorry Aussie pals). They sure know a thing or two about national pride and I say it's time we take a leaf out of their book.
So come Sunday's quarter final against Italy I will be heading back to the pub and hoping that coming through the group stage will have reinvigorated people's belief. I have a flag I've been wearing to the games for 12 years now, that flag has seen beer, sweat and tears and I won't wash it. The last three games I haven't had it with me but it's coming out next time and hopefully it's the lucky charm we need to win not just the game but the hearts of the England fans back. It been a long 16 years on this roller coaster ride with England. I've felt hopeful, ecstatic, angry, cheated and disappointed to name just a few emotions (so quite like my love life really) but I wouldn't change it for the world (well that's a lie, if I could change it I'd make it so we won at least something but you get my drift).
