England's national team has long been a source of pride and identity for the country.
What is the significance of soccer in England?
The team's performances in major tournaments have a profound impact on the nation's mood and unity. Playwright James Graham, creator of the hit play and TV drama "Dear England", believes soccer's importance runs far deeper than results on the pitch.
How does soccer bring people together?
Graham argues that soccer is one of the few institutions still capable of bringing communities together in person, week after week. He recalls the hours after Gareth Southgate missed his penalty in the semifinal against Germany at Euro '96, and how it affected him emotionally.
What can politicians learn from soccer leaders?
Graham believes politicians could learn from soccer leaders such as Southgate, who communicated with fans "as adults" in a way that was "very human" and "very emotionally intelligent". The current England team is on a 2-game winning run, with their last result being a 4-2 win against Croatia on 2026-06-17.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-17 | Croatia | 4-2 |
What's next for England?
The team's next fixture is against Spain at home on 2026-09-26. With their recent form being 2W-0D-2L, England will be looking to continue their winning streak and make a strong impression in the upcoming match.
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