Most Spaniards dream of the final at Wembley. The selection of Luis Enrique has shown his good game, but more importantly, he has shown a stoic attitude and ability to suffer and overcome adversity with Iberian tastes. How not to embrace the unconditional patriotism or trepidation that football has to offer. The confrontation between England and Spain will be a moral glove that fits like a glove with our prejudices and beliefs. Nationalist Brexit fanatics versus humility, decency and fair game from a southern European country.

However, there is a reverse to this story which questions whether it is more emotional and profound to embrace the flag or the idea of ​​life. Many members of the British Conservative Party were angry over the national team’s victory. They knew that the propaganda opportunity was extraordinary: the opportunity to hit the EU that had insulted Britain head-on, and to show the world the brilliance of a Great Britain Global who has now become the sole international actor. But they can’t stand that their chosen players kneel on the pitch before every game, in solidarity with the movement Black Life Problem. Or the captain, Harry Kane, wearing a colorful sash to support the LGBT community. Or that Marcus Rashford – despite the fact that he just left the bench – was able to twist the hands of the Boris Johnson Government and achieve that school menu assistance be extended to the most disadvantaged children during the pandemic. Or that Jordan Henderson gave his back to Joe White on the net, when he decided to go into a completely made-up England-Germany game for the occasion: “Hello Joe, I’m glad you got to enjoy the game as you deserve. No one should be afraid to come out to support their team or country. Football is for everyone. Thank you for your support,” Henderson wrote on his Twitter account.

And finally, that the national coach, Gareth Southgate, openly supporting Great Britain remaining part of the EU, has written him an open letter. English dear (Dear England) where he asserts such things “it is a duty” [de los jugadores] interact with the public on issues such as equality, inclusion or racial injustice, and use the power of their voice to bring specific debates to the table, raise awareness and educate”.

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel accused Southgate and the England team of introducing unnecessary “political moves” into the sport, and backed all fans who booed players, “because they have rights too.”

When a Spanish team beat an English team at Wembley on July 11, it had to be done with elegance, and remember that the fallen rivals represent a nation that so many of us miss and admire.

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