UEFA Nations League, Group A3
Monday 26 Sep 2022
Played at Wembley
England U21 3 v Germany U21 1
Friendly
Tuesday 27 Sep 2022
Played at Bramall Lane
So, the Nations League "campaign" comes to an end in a mad game at a somewhat downbeat Wembley. Just three points for England, from six games. No doubt, that was a great group. England, Germany & Italy all in. And, an excellent Hungary side as well. But, it was all a bit shagged up as well. Behind closed doors in both Budapest & Wolverhampton. England's three draws says a lot about where we are viz the top European sides.
At times at Wembley, that looked like it might be just two draws. Or even a win & two draws. It was a ridic two nil down, three two up, fucking drawn it at the end game. And, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm embarrassed to say, I had to delete a few inflammatory Tweets when Germany equalised. My timeline was full of gloom, with a lot of doom up to them.
I suppose I just felt;
"That's what can happen in International Football"
England have their fair share of flair players. Your Sterling, your Grealish, your Foden. And your proven goalscorer, Kane. A few bits, some bobs, from them and games can change quickly. Also. Saka. I much prefer him pushed forward (rather than wingback). He's great at getting in the box. And making things happen in the box.
As we travel around Italy & England picking games up where we can, our timings got waaaay out of sync. To the extent the drink could only be made real by making it inside Wembley. The set up changes with different tournaments, as sponsors & rules & regs change.
But, there's please the masses industrial lager, very niche bright beer out of casks on gravity and the must have nowadays craft beer offering. I mean, forget the prices, forget the (sometimes) paper cups, take a step back and that's not a bad setup really.
From memory, the Craft Beer collection has changed a bit over time. Tonight, it was firmly anchored around Goose Island.
Goose Island, Hazy IPA on Keg at 4.6%
As in ground beers go, have to say, that's got to be right up there. Fair play. Some mango in the first mouthful. Nice balance. And feels full of flavour, not sugar.
Both England and Germany U21 were long time qualified for the 2023 U21 EUROs. This international break was set aside for the final play off qualifiers. So, with neither country involved in those, we're here for a friendly.
Obviously, I'm a Blade. So, obviously, I'm a little bit pleased that this U21 game has been brought to The Lane. Ludicrous ticket prices. Somehow mine was £2.50. But, as ever, someone got it a bit wrong on the night.
There was a small section of John Street set aside for German fans. I'd actually seen it on the web plan when I'd tried to buy my ticket. The best way I can describe it is - front bit of the stand, nearest the Bramall Lane end, third block along. Now, I'm a firm believer in no segregation for these affairs. So, that works. There was even a lady patrolling events with a German Football Association bench coat on and some sort of - supporter liaison - logo. All friends here.
Some of the Germans routinely bringing pints up from the concourse. Of course, that's perfectly acceptable at their home matches. Seemed surprised, but compliant, when the stewards told them off. But, fellas have come from Germany, to see their young 'uns, to crack on with their mates, to experience Sheffield The Home Of Football.
They're going to stand up all game. That's what they're going to do. I told 'em that at the planning meeting. (Hint - there wasn't a planning meeting). And, in the lower rows, with two blocks to their right, they're gonna be in people's way. The fuck up is already in progress. The stewards employ the tried & not trusted tactic.
"Can you sit down please"
But, this time with hand gestures so our foreign cousins can get the gist. They get the gist alright. But, correctly, fucking ignore it. Ever more stewards. Get ever more agitated. And employ ever more 'Allo 'Allo! - achtung - nonsense to make the thing that is not going to happen, happen.
I'm effectively on the frontline. One steward conspiratorially apologising to me. Oh for fuck sake, just leave them be, they're on their holidays, they've come to Sheffield to enjoy themselves, just leave them be, you don't want the only thing they remember from their pilgrimage trip to Sheffield The Home Of Football to be that they've been fucking hassled all night. Just leave them be.
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