With the excitement of the World Cup going on around us, flags flying on cars, pub windows, shops and houses, it is hard not to get swept along with optimism for our English heroes.
It seems only yesterday that a Uruguayan referee ended England’s World Cup hopes in South Africa in 2010 when he disallowed the ‘equaliser’ against Germany that clearly crossed the goal line by about 2 feet!
But can England win it this time in Brazil?
The omens are certainly in the Englishmen’s favour. Rewind to the Eurovision Song Contest final in Luxembourg in 1966 which was won by Austria. The winners in 2014? Austria with a song called ‘Rise of the Phoenix.’ A message in there perhaps?
Then there was the European Cup winners in 1966 – Real Madrid, who beat Partizan 2-1 at Heysel Stadium in Brussels. Fast forward to 2014 and Real Madrid again won the trophy, now renamed the UEFA Champions League, beating Atletico Madrid 4-1 after extra time in Lisbon.
Staying with Spanish football, the Spanish Liga crown in 1966 was won by Atletico Madrid. The La Liga title winners in 2014? That would be Atletico Madrid! The bottom, and relegated team in 1966 was Real Betis. Could this be repeated in 2014? Yes, Real Betis finished in bottom place and were relegated from La Liga.
Can the Omens continue?
Well, look at the FA Cup Final of 1966 as Everton, the winners, came from 2 nil down to beat Sheffield Wednesday 3-2 to lift the cup. In 2014, Arsenal came from 2 nil down to beat Hull City 3-2 as they too lifted the trophy.
Coincidence or are the stars aligning again for England to lift the World Cup again as they did in 1966?
I for one am excited and optimistic and will be behind the boys all the way (again!). Come on England! Bring the World Cup home to England!
Can England do it? Let us know your thoughts below or tweet us @LaFootyettes.