England is a soccer-mad nation. This is the country that, in the 19th century, codified the rules of the game, known almost exclusively as football here. It’s also home to the Premier League, the world’s most famous domestic circuit. And yet, any feelings of English exceptionalism are thwarted, quite rightly, by the fact that England usually flops in major international tournaments.
But something rather unusual is happening during the European Championship. The English national team is doing rather well.
After thrashing Ukraine, 4-0, in the quarterfinals, England meets Denmark on Wednesday in front of a home crowd at London’s Wembley Stadium.