I am crying a few years here. Been round to see my Dad, who cant cope with a game at 8. He will be wiped out by then. Would have loved to watch it tomorrow with him, but I wont push it. He is an old and frail man.
Full transparency, England has always been my number 1 love. Tonight my dad relived the times I cried my eyes out watching them. I am, I think, a country over club fan. He says so. He is as Sunderland as they come, but as a bairn I only wanted to be an England player he says. Anyway, long story short, he had me dig out a box for him. It had all kinds of old Sunderland stuff in it, which he says is for the brothers to share. But there was a hand held flag which he said is from 66. Apparently they were given out to anybody in his pub. He gave it to me and said you are too keen on that bloody side, but I hope they win it just for you. He isnt an emotional fella, but I think we might have shared a moment. I am feeling desperate.
England winning tomorrow will be my happiest moment. All I really want. I go back to watch the likes of Mick Mills and co. God I loved them all. This lot though have my heart. I have met Southgate and spoke to him several times. He is a brilliant man. We have players that would run through walls for us. We have subs who would give it all.
To me, in my time, this is it. I wont sleep tonight. Tomorrow will drag. But I love my England and believe. Spain are great, but this is about our players. One trophy in my life is all I want. If my Dad gets to see me smile I think he will love that too.
Haway England.