The fans in England suffer along with the "Three Lions". Drinking hard, showing solidarity and celebrating small successes. After all, they are hardened.
The blankets provided are not needed. "Actually, you shouldn't have to get them ready in June," reads the sign next to the basket with the warming textile. "But you know, this is England." This is England, which is also fitting for the suffering of the national football team.
It's not really warm in the beer garden of the Coat & Badge pub on Sunday evening either. The many fans would have liked a blanket to hide under from time to time - not because of the temperature, but because of the action on the four large TV screens.
But shortly after 7 pm, all is right with the world again. "Hey Jude", the Beatles classic booms out from hundreds of throats in the Putney district of south-west London. The majority of the fans were probably not yet born when John Lennon died. No matter, for them "Hey Jude" stands for Jude Bellingham anyway, the savior of their Euro dreams. There is still extra time to go, but they are sure they will win it. Thought, done - and then another round of "Hey Jude".
Subtle curses and a lack of understanding
Even though every final since 1966 has ended in heartbreak, the supporters of the Three Lions are almost pitifully optimistic. And capable of suffering. They have to tremble for 94 minutes with their team, which has a top-class squad and plays so despondently and uninspired. "Outside" - to the outside - is the pleading call when another player is free on the wing but is not played on.
There are no whistles, as is sometimes the case in the stadium. Just a few discreet curses and uncomprehending murmurs. Or a joyful "Foden" when he runs up for a free kick in a promising position - and then, as always at this European Championship, fails to achieve anything at all. Nevertheless, when the Manchester City star is substituted, an "Oh no" goes through the garden rectangle.
You don't understand national team coach Gareth Southgate anyway. Why does he change so late when nothing fits together on the pitch? Why can't he find the right position for Foden, who played an outstanding season in the championship, in which he can develop? The shirts with the three lions emblem come in an astonishing variety: white, of course, but also gray, red, even blue. But no matter which color someone wears, the opinion is the same: People are disappointed with their own team, but that doesn't change the support.
Swiss not yet an issue
The biggest applause, until Bellingham's redemptive overhead kick, was for the substitution of Cole Palmer. The young Chelsea star - just two tube stops away from Putney - enjoys great sympathy here. A little more of his freshness would be welcome. In the end, at least for one evening, it doesn't matter.
The next opponent, Switzerland, is not an issue. There were words of praise before the game, especially for Granit Xhaka, Manuel Akanji, Fabian Schär and Xherdan Shaqiri, who are all involved in the Premier League or have left their mark there. You don't want to dwell on that when you're celebrating victory. After all, they have Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, so what could possibly go wrong? Although: "If we're already having so much trouble with the Slovaks...", someone interjects quietly and doesn't say any more.
After all, you should celebrate the festivals as they fall. As an England fan, you know only too well that disillusionment will come sooner or later anyway.
SDA
