Was the UEFA Euro 2020 Final Between Italy and England Symbolic of Brexit and European Union Relations?

Often, the UEFA Euro 2020 final match between Italy and England is portrayed as a political symbol, reflecting the broader tensions between the European Union (EU) and the UK, which recently underwent Brexit. However, this perception is far from accurate. The match was a straightforward contest between two football teams, each striving to win the championship of European football, not to make a political statement.

Football Matches and Political Contexts

When players and fans step onto the field at a major football match, the primary focus is on winning the game, not on political contexts. As a former football player, I can confirm that nothing else matters besides the match at hand during the duration of the game. The football pitch is a tunnel that erases national, cultural, and political boundaries, leaving only the objective of winning.

The England vs. Italy Final: This match was no different. Both teams were focused on their historical quest to win the tournament, and every player on the field was thinking about nothing but securing a victory. The diplomatic and political significance of such a match is overemphasized. England vs. Germany, Spain, and Others: The same principle applies to the other matches involving the English national team. These games were intense football matches, not symbolic demonstrations of political stances. Fans and players alike were all about the game, not about Brexit or the broader political implications.

The Role of Political Ideologies in Football

Some people might argue that the players and fans involved in these matches are also political activists, stating that they would have performed differently if there were political implications. However, this is a misconception. Players and fans have to earn their living and support their teams, which require a consistent and focused performance. Issuing derogatory statements or underperforming due to personal or political beliefs would be detrimental to their careers.

Association of Player Identities with Politics: Players who compete in the EU for their club teams do not see themselves as representatives of the political bloc. Their primary duty is to their teams and the fans who support them. Individual players often choose the club they play for based on the club’s culture, reputation, and remuneration, not its political alignment. Fan Perspectives: Fans who watch these matches do so for the thrill of the game, the history, and the emotions associated with the sport, not the political context. The excitement and intensity of the matches are the driving forces behind their enthusiasm. Reports suggesting that football is a means to protest or make statements about political matters are overly simplistic and do not reflect the reality of the sport.

The Impact of Brexit on English Football

Another argument often made is that the failure of English teams to win the tournament is due to the negative impact of Brexit. However, such a correlation fails to hold under scrutiny. English football has seen its ups and downs independent of Brexit. The performance of the national team in major tournaments can be attributed to a wide range of factors, including player talent, coaching, and preparation.

Pre-Brexit Times: The English national team had periods of success before Brexit, as evidenced by their failure to qualify for the 1974 World Cup after joining the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973. In contrast, their recent success in reaching the semi-final can be attributed to the quality of the current team and coaching rather than any political context.

Post-Brexit Times: Arguing that Brexit has had any significant impact on the team's performance overlooks the fundamental role of talent in football. Teams in different leagues can foster player development and prepare for major tournaments, making the correlation between Brexit and the team's performance a fallacious one.

The UEFA Euro 2020 and Brexit

The UEFA Euro 2020 final was a celebration of football, not a political statement. The tournament was organized by UEFA, the governing body for European football, and was meant to bring fans together through the universal language of the game. The logistics of the tournament were primarily concerned with hosting and organizing matches, not with political considerations.

Tournament and EU Membership: The UK had never been part of the Schengen Area, meaning the Brexit process did not affect the logistics of the tournament in any significant way. The-playing-rights and qualification rules were already established, and the organization was separate from the political sphere. European Union and Brexet Context: The European Championships have a rich history dating back over 60 years, involving multiple countries, some of which are not even part of the EU (such as Switzerland, Turkey, and North Macedonia). The tournament is a celebration of European football, not a political event. The mentality of the English fans and players was entirely centered on the game, not on Brexit or other political matters.

The Actual Significance of the Final

Perhaps the UEFA Euro 2020 final gave fans, both in Europe and beyond, a chance to leave behind the constant cycles of Brexit-related news. For a short period, the focus was on the joy of the game and the excitement of the final match. This is a reality that many people in the UK and Europe are eager to embrace, recognizing that football offers a moment of unity and shared experience.

For many, the final was a moment of hope and triumph, especially given the historical significance of the 1966 World Cup victory. The focus on the game allowed people to momentarily forget about ongoing issues and concentrate on the present and the future of the sport.

Conclusion

So, the UEFA Euro 2020 final between Italy and England was a match between football teams, not a political statement. The players, fans, and media aiming to draw political parallels are missing the point. Football is a sport that unites people, transcends borders, and provides a moment of happiness and unity. The Brexit-related debates should be left to the political arena, where they belong, while the football field remains a place where only the ball matters.