Why does the England shirt weigh so heavy?
¶ 1
Leave a comment on verse 1 0
Recently ‘twas asked why the England shirt weighs so heavy?
Perhaps there are other questions behind this continuing levy?
Were we too imperious in showing the world the Britannia way
only for others to have the impertinence to teach us how to play?
¶ 2
Leave a comment on verse 2 0
Could we not foresee that our one golden summer afternoon
would become yesterday’s sole overachievement only too soon.
Punished eternally for one memorable extra-time, goal line flirtation,
“they think its all over” now holds a far more sinister interpretation
¶ 3
Leave a comment on verse 3 0
Twenty five Worlds and Euros since that successful tournament
have secured our position in the early knock out stage firmament
Fifty years passage from the lone competition outcome to savour
but not once in that time have we sought to trouble the engraver
¶ 4
Leave a comment on verse 4 0
We terrorise the qualifying stage like three lions possessed,
sightseers before the semis, then back for the inevitable inquest.
Blame it on the press, the refs, the Premier League, the WAGs
Leaving a trail of tears, ambitious hotel bookings, Union Jack flags
¶ 5
Leave a comment on verse 5 0
Why do we leave each championship distraught and bereft?
How could we not hold on with twenty Mexican minutes left?
Why has there been no place for Hudson, Currie, Barnes, Le Tissier,
why did we value hard running and scything tackles over flair?
¶ 6
Leave a comment on verse 6 0
Why did we ignore the player pyramid, erosion attacking its base
why did we let the mediocre become so commonplace
why the inevitable cycle of over expectation, let down, frustration
is there no cause and effect, consequence, or guilt by Association?
Andrew, that saver/engraver line is terrific!
My only comment about the subject matter would be that whenever the likes of Tony Currie or Rodney Marsh got into the England team, they seemed to get dragged down to the mediocre, almost afraid to try their flicks and tricks.
Thanks Peter – lovely to hear from you and thanks for all your efforts. I enjoy your work. Agree with your assessment – someone puts lead weights in England players’ boots – perhaps its the urge to be cautious and to avoid showiness/flamboyance…. I know what I’d prefer…Greetings from Brisbane! Cheers AH