A peculiar atmosphere has surrounded the England team throughout their build up and preparation for the Euro 2012, from the inclusion of Stewart Downing to the exclusion of Rio Ferdinand, John Terry (no explanation needed), who to start upfront and the placid melancholy attitude of the fans regarding England’s chances.
This unusual state has seemingly put many fans off as only a minimal contingent has made the trip out to Poland/Ukraine.
Normally anytime England have arrived at a major tournament, particularly in the last 10 years, expectations have been sky high, there has been a clear and often misplaced belief that despite previous evidence England could go all the way.
Whereas before the England fans roared like the lions on the teams crest, they now whisper like mice retreating to their hole in the skirting board.
This lack of expectation and pressure could allow the players to relax and play without fear, a constant presence among many England performances at past tournaments.
It seems this time round surviving the group stages will be seen as an achievement rather than the bare minimum.
Whatever happens against a very talented and justifiably confident French side, let’s hope that some light and life is resorted to the supporters and that maybe we can exceed, regardless of how low, expectations for a change.
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