Introduction

The European football tournament, commonly known as the Euros, is a highly anticipated event that takes place every four years. One of the significant storylines going into the 2021 edition was England's participation after leaving the European Union. After fifty years of waiting, the dream of England winning a major international trophy on home soil was finally becoming a reality. This article will explore the impact of Brexit on England's participation in the Euros and its fans' expectations.

England's Road to the Euros

England's journey to the Euros started when they topped their qualifying group with an unbeaten run of seven games. However, this success was dampened by the ongoing uncertainty regarding Brexit, which cast doubt on whether English players would still have the right to play in Europe's top leagues. Their success story continued as they went into the tournament with a 100% win record in their group, scoring seven goals and conceding none.

Fans' Expectations

The build-up to the Euros was a mixture of excitement and nervousness for English fans. With the tournament taking place on home soil, the pressure was on for the Three Lions to perform. However, the fans' optimism was further compounded by the team's impressive run of form and the emergence of young talent like Jadon Sancho, Mason Mount, and Phil Foden.

The Impact of Brexit on England's Squad Selection

One of the critical areas where Brexit impacted England's participation in the Euros was squad selection. With the new post-Brexit regulations, it became tougher for English clubs to sign players from abroad. Consequently, English players had to fight harder for a spot in the team as managers prioritized homegrown talent. On the bright side, this gave young English players more opportunities to play regularly and develop their skills as they pursued a career in professional football.

The Impact of Brexit on the Euros

The impact of Brexit on the Euros was felt in various ways. The new visa regulations and other policy changes meant that fans who wanted to travel and cheer their team on faced more hurdles than before. Additionally, there was a growing debate on whether Brexit had weakened the quality of the European tournament. Despite this, the tournament remained fiercely competitive, and many saw England as one of the favorites to win it.

England's Performance in the Euros

England's performance in the Euros was a reflection of their hard work and determination. They topped their group and advanced to the knockout stages, where they faced tougher opposition. After beating Germany in the Round of 16, England's fans began to grow more confident as they saw their team navigate through the tournament. The semifinals proved to be a challenging encounter for the Three Lions, but they held their nerve and won on a penalty shootout against Denmark.

The Final and the Aftermath

The final of the European tournament was an emotional rollercoaster for English fans. England took the lead early on, but Italy equalized in the second half. The game went into extra time, and the teams were still tied, forcing a penalty shootout. Unfortunately, England lost the shootout, with three players missing their spot-kicks, leaving the fans heartbroken.

Despite the disappointment of losing the final, England's performance in the tournament was commendable. It showed that they had the talent, skill, and the desire to compete against the best teams in Europe. The tournament's success also proved that football could still bring people together, regardless of politics or geographical location.

Conclusion

The European tournament was an unforgettable experience for football fans around the world. For England, it marked a significant milestone as they participated in their first Euros after leaving the European Union. Despite the challenges posed by Brexit, England's performance, and the fans' unrelenting support, made it a memorable tournament. The dream of winning a major international trophy on home soil may have eluded them, but the journey towards it has started, and the future looks bright for English football.