July 11th 2024.
The atmosphere at Wembley Boxpark was electric as fans rejoiced in England's semi-final victory. It was a historic moment, and coach Gareth Southgate couldn't help but reflect on the power of love. "We all crave love, don't we?" he shared with a smile.
For Southgate, football - and all sports, really - is about love. The winning goal from Ollie Watkins may have been just as exhilarating if experienced alone, but there's something special about sharing that moment with others. As the ball finds the back of the net, your mind connects you to the player, to the rest of the England team, to all those who care about the game, and to society as a whole. It's a sense of community that we all need - the mental connection to others and the safety of being a part of a group.
In fact, human society owes much of its success to our ability to empathize with others and work together towards shared goals. This desire for connection can be found everywhere, from the soccer field to the chess club. As someone who has written about loneliness, I've received countless messages from readers about the unexpected friendships and communities they've found through activities like playing in a five-a-side league or supporting a local non-league team.
But even with the power of love, it's not always easy to find. As Southgate's male friends still struggle to express their love for each other, it's clear that the England team may not use that word either. However, Southgate has created an environment where each player feels secure and valued, even if they're not always the star of the team. They know that they will be respected, supported, praised, and cared for regardless of the outcome. And isn't that what love is all about?
This love has given the team the confidence and security to consistently perform at major tournaments and reach the top of Maslow's hierarchy of needs - the stage of "transcendence." And as they prepare for the final, it's clear that they are playing with joy and without fear. They didn't train for this, they didn't make any sacrifices, and they won't face any professional consequences win or lose. So why not embrace the excitement and share the love?
As Adele (who was in attendance at the semi-final) almost sang, "love is the game." And in this sport, joy is not always easy to come by. But Southgate reminds his players before every match that they have the power to create unforgettable memories for millions of people. It's an incredible opportunity and a great responsibility.
For the author, this England team has already completed their job by bringing them countless moments of pure joy and unexpected happiness. From watching games with unlikely companions during the 2018 World Cup to cheering on the team at this year's Euros, the memories are plentiful and golden. Whether it's watching Jude Bellingham's bicycle kick in Gelsenkirchen or shedding tears of joy at Bukayo Saka's perfect penalty, these moments will last a lifetime.
And now, with just one game left, the team has the chance to reach "transcendence." It's a moment that Southgate and his players won't take for granted, and the entire country will be cheering them on. As the coach himself humorously reminded everyone during the wild celebrations, he may be English, but he's also Dutch. And as Spain seeks revenge against England in the final, one thing is for sure - this team is playing with love, and that's what truly matters.
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