International Football Memories? Club v Country?

[Marshleeds]

With England reaching the Semi-Finals of the Euro’s this week got to thinking tournaments I first remembered.

For me, born just too late for the Glory of 1966 have a vague recollection of the 1974 World Cup and Holland’s Total Football Johan Cruuyf & Co.

More memorable for me was Argentina 1978 when Scotland got there and not England, Archie Gemmill’s Goal and the shock of seeing them lose to Peru, Cubillas & All. Thought of Peru as somewhere Paddington Bear came from and beggars playing those Pipe things whilst sat on Llamas quite possibly.

A hopeful but miserable 1980’s watching England, tears of disbelief in 86 waiting the Hand of God Goal at The Wharf in Brighouse then the almost Glory of Euro 96 where I saw many non England Group Games at Elland Road, Spain v Bulgaria? Saw Portugal v Turkey at City Ground then France v Netherlands at Anfield in the Quarter Finals not all top rated games but great atmosphere at all.

Inbetweeners style Lads Holidays late 80’s early 90’s and repeated England hard luck stories later here we are another game away from a Major Final. Here’s hoping.

(Got talking to a random Town Fan at Half Time / Full Time outside a Town Centre Pub on Saturday who had become aware of My Leeds allegiance. Decent guy, good sensible conversation had and we got onto subject of % passion for Club v Country. Mine was 100% Leeds / 95% England whereas he said 100% Town / 80% England)…..

I find myself celebrating an England Goal with virtually as much gusto as I do My Club Team …..could be an age thing knowing I may not have many more Tournament Chances to wallow in the joy of victory.

[Mav]

Very similar memories Marsh.
100% Town 95% England.
Best memory for me was Italia 90.
Oh so close. In my mid 20s then and very proud of my country and what was to come. Even went to Luton to see the team get back and an open top bus parade through Luton.
Seems a bit crazy now looking back. For me personally that was a good time to be alive ( not quite the 80’s but still decent).

I know I will see England win a major competition as I’ve seen Town in the premiership which was never going to happen whilst I was still above ground.

This current team is packed with talent and should be smashing it….typical England ….but you never know it could be that ‘Town’ moment.
UTT // COME ON ENGLAND 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[sabailand]

Not going to be as detailed as your Marsh, but although i've only been to about 7-8 England games in my life (incl overseas) i still want England to win so much, in the big games i get butterflies in my stomach as i do watching important town games, but ultimately its Town 1st England 2nd, town are who i spend my football money on.
First World cup i remember with any detail is Argentina 78 when England didnt qualify, i even wanted Scotland to do well and in my naivety got exited when they beat Holland. (Apologies to Westie)

[overtonterrierspirit]

1970 and in particular, the great Brazil team scoring arguably the greatest ever World Cup “team” goal ( Alberto) was the tournament the cemented my life long love of football generally.
Town always above anything else of course.
But I agree that 1978 was a great tournament- I’d say the most atmospheric, with the ticker tape - when the muffled commentary ( poor sound ) really emphasising how far away Argentina was.
Scotland had some great players at that time, perhaps the strongest squad they ever had.
But Argentina were the perfect host nation and I enjoyed watching Ardiles, Passarella and Kempes.
Was there ever a meaner looking centre forward than Leopoldo Luque?
Nothing can overtake the pure joy of watching Town score but I’ll be rooting for England tomorrow.

[Marshleeds]

Jul 9, 2024 10:37:01 GMT 1 sabailand said:

Not going to be as detailed as your Marsh, but although i've only been to about 7-8 England games in my life (incl overseas) i still want England to win so much, in the big games i get butterflies in my stomach as i do watching important town games, but ultimately its Town 1st England 2nd, town are who i spend my football money on.
First World cup i remember with any detail is Argentina 78 when England didnt qualify, i even wanted Scotland to do well and in my naivety got exited when they beat Holland. (Apologies to Westie)

I also had an affinity for Scotland in that Tournament in the absence of England and to this day have no real animosity towards other Home Nations unless they play England.

Didn’t include Italia 90 in My Summary where the elation of David Platt’s late goal v Belgium ( nearest feeling I could compare to Bellingham’s Overhead Match Saver last week) was celebrated wildly with 10 drunken lads on tour ( including @ldr who posts on here) in Malia, Crete. We watched the Germany Game on return in The White Hart at the top of Cloth Hall Street when it was decent and smackheads didn’t try and sell you stolen meat and aftershave like now and always blamed ourselves for returning from holiday and upsetting Bobby Robson’s Game Plan. 😉

[sabailand]

Jul 9, 2024 10:41:29 GMT 1 overtonterrierspirit said:

1970 and in particular, the great Brazil team scoring arguably the greatest ever World Cup “team” goal ( Alberto) was the tournament the cemented my life long love of football generally.
Town always above anything else of course.
But I agree that 1978 was a great tournament- I’d say the most atmospheric, with the ticker tape - when the muffled commentary ( poor sound ) really emphasising how far away Argentina was.
Scotland had some great players at that time, perhaps the strongest squad they ever had.
But Argentina were the perfect host nation and I enjoyed watching Ardiles, Passarella and Kempes.
Was there ever a meaner looking centre forward than Leopoldo Luque?
Nothing can overtake the pure joy of watching Town score but I’ll be rooting for England tomorrow.

Think its fair to say Scotland in the mid to late 70's were the best home nations team, never cut it on the world cup stage though.

[Marshleeds]

Jul 9, 2024 10:41:29 GMT 1 overtonterrierspirit said:

1970 and in particular, the great Brazil team scoring arguably the greatest ever World Cup “team” goal ( Alberto) was the tournament the cemented my life long love of football generally.
Town always above anything else of course.
But I agree that 1978 was a great tournament- I’d say the most atmospheric, with the ticker tape - when the muffled commentary ( poor sound ) really emphasising how far away Argentina was.
Scotland had some great players at that time, perhaps the strongest squad they ever had.
But Argentina were the perfect host nation and I enjoyed watching Ardiles, Passarella and Kempes.
Was there ever a meaner looking centre forward than Leopoldo Luque?
Nothing can overtake the pure joy of watching Town score but I’ll be rooting for England tomorrow.

Guessing you must be a few years ahead of me Overton but of course have seen blurry, historic footage of Pele & Co and that Gordon Bank’s Save when anywhere further than Bridlington seemed to be a place so far away and exotic

Even Starsky & Hutch mid 70’s always looked a bit blurry to me as they crashed into Cardboard Boxes round back streets and whilst I’m reasonably well travelled now Europe-Wise have never been to USA and Family still laugh when I tell them I still expect it to be kind of blurry 1970’s style even now when I step off the plane in New York! 🇺🇸

[Marshleeds]

Jul 9, 2024 10:31:20 GMT 1 Mav said:

Very similar memories Marsh.
100% Town 95% England.
Best memory for me was Italia 90.
Oh so close. In my mid 20s then and very proud of my country and what was to come. Even went to Luton to see the team get back and an open top bus parade through Luton.
Seems a bit crazy now looking back. For me personally that was a good time to be alive ( not quite the 80’s but still decent).

I know I will see England win a major competition as I’ve seen Town in the premiership which was never going to happen whilst I was still above ground.

This current team is packed with talent and should be smashing it….typical England ….but you never know it could be that ‘Town’ moment.
UTT // COME ON ENGLAND 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Can’t quite decide how good The Netherlands are. Obviously impressive v Romania and decent players familiar to England across their Team and not to be underestimated but thought similar ahead of the Switzerland game.

Just have a feeling that both Semi Finals will be ultra tight and our nerves and finger nails will be shredded on Wednesday. ( Cue a goal fest in both!)

[galpharm2400]

The hardest England watch for me was the loss to Germany in 1970.
The expectation wasnt imagined we were supposed to meet Brazil in the final and we were going to give them a hell of a game. It went as planned for so long.😔

[goodbet]

Can only be 1966.
I was 11 and for the first time TV, radio was full of football coverage on every game.

And a great outcome.

[benhomly]

100% Town, 20% England for me.

People say watching England is like watching Town, they always let you down. Not true - since England last achieved anything Town have won 2 titles, an automatic promotion and 4 play-off finals. Sadly I've become one of those who seem to revel in England's failure, I want them to win of course but couldn't give a stuff when they don't.

Was on holiday for the England v Croatia WC semi-final and even though it was on in the hotel bar I chose to lounge around by the pool instead. Was also on holiday for the first 2 group games this tournament and again the games were on in the hotel bar but I didn't bother. Whenever I'm on holiday and Town are on Sky I've always sought out somewhere to watch it.

[Marshleeds]

Jul 9, 2024 11:31:17 GMT 1 benhomly said:

100% Town, 20% England for me.

People say watching England is like watching Town, they always let you down. Not true - since England last achieved anything Town have won 2 titles, an automatic promotion and 4 play-off finals. Sadly I've become one of those who seem to revel in England's failure, I want them to win of course but couldn't give a stuff when they don't.

Was on holiday for the England v Croatia WC semi-final and even though it was on in the hotel bar I chose to lounge around by the pool instead. Was also on holiday for the first 2 group games this tournament and again the games were on in the hotel bar but I didn't bother. Whenever I'm on holiday and Town are on Sky I've always sought out somewhere to watch it.

I have Leeds Mates similar but cannot pinpoint why this is.

Would always have to watch Leeds or England equally at home or abroad on TV if not able to be there in person especially in a Major Tournament or League Game Club-Wise less so a friendly. Horses for Courses and England Players Club Teams go totally out the window for me anyway when they are playing.

[drewden]

Had the urge in 96 to go to the world cup in France, booked a month of work last minute, and off I went, can honestly say the atmosphere was out of this world, went to the first 3 matches, but then Argentina knocked us out on penalties.

Live in my memory for life.

[Tinpot]

Jul 9, 2024 11:56:32 GMT 1 drewden said:

Had the urge in 96 to go to the world cup in France, booked a month of work last minute, and off I went, can honestly say the atmosphere was out of this world, went to the first 3 matches, but then Argentina knocked us out on penalties.

Live in my memory for life.

How did you pass the time over the 2 years between 1996 and the 1998 World Cup?

[joeyjoneslocker]

I support club and country the same. Passionately.
I’ve very vague memories of 82 but the real ‘first’ World Cup memories are 86. What a tournament. Francescoli, Butragueno, Laudrup. Some cracking games too.

[HuddsTerrier]

Was at the Euro final at Wembley 3 years ago

I was also at Wembley when Town beat Reading on pens 4 years earlier

When England lost on pens in the Final I was upset but not gutted. If Town had lost to Reading I would have been gutted. I was a lot more nervous for the Town shoot out than England. Same Stadium, trophy on the line etc but more nerves for Town

I want England to do win - even went to the WC in Japan to watch them so I've travelled a little with England. However I'm a lot more invested in Town succeeding so they will always take preference

If England win it on Sunday it goes without saying I'll be delighted

[Carlito Brigante]

Jul 9, 2024 13:43:14 GMT 1 HuddsTerrier said:

Was at the Euro final at Wembley 3 years ago

I was also at Wembley when Town beat Reading on pens 4 years earlier

When England lost on pens in the Final I was upset but not gutted. If Town had lost to Reading I would have been gutted. I was a lot more nervous for the Town shoot out than England. Same Stadium, trophy on the line etc but more nerves for Town

I want England to do win - even went to the WC in Japan to watch them so I've travelled a little with England. However I'm a lot more invested in Town succeeding so they will always take preference

If England win it on Sunday it goes without saying I'll be delighted

I don’t know why but this bit reminded me of Tommy Cockles

[Bubbles]

I was at Italia 90 as an 18 year old.
My first time going abroad,on the official Town trip..
Keith Hanvey,Chris Patzelt,Terry Fisher et al.

Great memories of Sardinia,anybody else on the trip on here?

Was also at the first 3 England games of Euro 1996..Gazza's goal v Scotland and the 4-1 hammering of the Dutch also great memories.
Oh what we'd give for a perfomance like that on Weds!

Club before country every time though for me,I don't get the same buzz when England score that I do when Town manage to find the net!

[townarentbest]

Have done TWO internationals,

The Euro96 semi between England and Germany, where the "best ever atmosphere" and my feeling of caring was not a patch on watching Town at Wembley the previous year. Honestly, not even CLOSE.

Same comp I went to Spain v Bulgaria at Elland Road (which was enjoyable, with the same kind of investment I have watching Town at say a friendly - not really bothered what happens either way, but wouldn't mind seeing something good in amongst!).


I find international football boring generally, whether its England or some other nation...have watched a few bits of a few games at E2024, but I've never felt a particularly desire to watch a full game, and when I have been watching I've been in and out and doing other stuff in amongst. I did quite enjoy watching 20mins of Turkey battling the other night I guess.

I do get that some really get into international football, and England a LOT though...I know a few people who follow home and away, and there's people like my partner who has next to zero interest in club football but who for unfathomable reasons has probably watched her way through about 80% of this tournament so far (and has done through Euro's and World Cup's historically).

Just one of those things, no explanation. Same as some people born and bred have zero interest in watching Town, whereas you can get others from far away turning up to a game because of work or Uni or whatever odd reason, and suddenly they're 100% bought in for life.

[deepc]

100% Town first England a distant 2nd. I used to feel the buzz for England but this has been eroded in recent years. We now play way more games than when I were a lad. Hardly bother to watch the qualifying games any more. Will always watch the final stages but too many meaningless games. When the FA were giving Beckham caps just so he could get the record purely for marketing opportunities when he should have been retired long before combined with Sven putting out two different sides in one game, not wanting to upset club managers, all served to turn me right off.
My first World cup I can remember was 66 and can recall the Argentina and Portugal games were great games and as for the final - I expected us to win . The optimism of youth !
The one I enjoyed even more was 1970, being older I was a regular at Town by then and could understand things more and it was on TV in colour.
That was a game changer.
Even though England have stunk the place out in this tournament I will be in the club cheering them on Wednesday.

[gledholt terrier]

Jul 9, 2024 10:06:32 GMT 1 Marshleeds said:

With England reaching the Semi-Finals of the Euro’s this week got to thinking tournaments I first remembered.

For me, born just too late for the Glory of 1966 have a vague recollection of the 1974 World Cup and Holland’s Total Football Johan Cruuyf & Co.

More memorable for me was Argentina 1978 when Scotland got there and not England, Archie Gemmill’s Goal and the shock of seeing them lose to Peru, Cubillas & All. Thought of Peru as somewhere Paddington Bear came from and beggars playing those Pipe things whilst sat on Llamas quite possibly.

A hopeful but miserable 1980’s watching England, tears of disbelief in 86 waiting the Hand of God Goal at The Wharf in Brighouse then the almost Glory of Euro 96 where I saw many non England Group Games at Elland Road, Spain v Bulgaria? Saw Portugal v Turkey at City Ground then France v Netherlands at Anfield in the Quarter Finals not all top rated games but great atmosphere at all.

Inbetweeners style Lads Holidays late 80’s early 90’s and repeated England hard luck stories later here we are another game away from a Major Final. Here’s hoping.

(Got talking to a random Town Fan at Half Time / Full Time outside a Town Centre Pub on Saturday who had become aware of My Leeds allegiance. Decent guy, good sensible conversation had and we got onto subject of % passion for Club v Country. Mine was 100% Leeds / 95% England whereas he said 100% Town / 80% England)…..

I find myself celebrating an England Goal with virtually as much gusto as I do My Club Team …..could be an age thing knowing I may not have many more Tournament Chances to wallow in the joy of victory.

I reckon we probably watched Euro 96 in the same place (the ultra salubrious surroundings of the Marsh House) which was easily the England high point for me and with every tournament that passes my enthusiasm fades a little more, even though we have been relatively successful recently.

[nnnlove]

Less interested in England than ever, though I'll always watch every single tournament game and hope (though not necessarily expect) that we do well. Just given up with friendlies, and will only watch qualifiers if there's something riding on them - which is incredibly rare these days.

We could win the next three Euros in a row, though, and none of them would come close to Euro '96. We may have fallen short, but everything about that tournament and that Summer was just magic.

Between club and country, there's only one winner by a distance - Town.

[Marshleeds]

Jul 9, 2024 13:48:43 GMT 1 Carlito Brigante said:

Jul 9, 2024 13:43:14 GMT 1 HuddsTerrier said:

Was at the Euro final at Wembley 3 years ago

I was also at Wembley when Town beat Reading on pens 4 years earlier

When England lost on pens in the Final I was upset but not gutted. If Town had lost to Reading I would have been gutted. I was a lot more nervous for the Town shoot out than England. Same Stadium, trophy on the line etc but more nerves for Town

I want England to do win - even went to the WC in Japan to watch them so I've travelled a little with England. However I'm a lot more invested in Town succeeding so they will always take preference

If England win it on Sunday it goes without saying I'll be delighted

I don’t know why but this bit reminded me of Tommy Cockles

Isn’t it. Jumpers for Goalposts. Last Goal Wins.

[menstonterrier]

Jul 9, 2024 11:25:41 GMT 1 goodbet said:

Can only be 1966.
I was 11 and for the first time TV, radio was full of football coverage on every game.

And a great outcome.

Same here. School trip from St Pats in Birstall to Hillsborough to watch West Germany v Switzerland.

At that age, you don't appreciate how good some players are but it was the only chance I ever got to watch Beckenbauer.

[Marshleeds]

Jul 9, 2024 15:23:54 GMT 1 gledholt terrier said:

Jul 9, 2024 10:06:32 GMT 1 Marshleeds said:

With England reaching the Semi-Finals of the Euro’s this week got to thinking tournaments I first remembered.

For me, born just too late for the Glory of 1966 have a vague recollection of the 1974 World Cup and Holland’s Total Football Johan Cruuyf & Co.

More memorable for me was Argentina 1978 when Scotland got there and not England, Archie Gemmill’s Goal and the shock of seeing them lose to Peru, Cubillas & All. Thought of Peru as somewhere Paddington Bear came from and beggars playing those Pipe things whilst sat on Llamas quite possibly.

A hopeful but miserable 1980’s watching England, tears of disbelief in 86 waiting the Hand of God Goal at The Wharf in Brighouse then the almost Glory of Euro 96 where I saw many non England Group Games at Elland Road, Spain v Bulgaria? Saw Portugal v Turkey at City Ground then France v Netherlands at Anfield in the Quarter Finals not all top rated games but great atmosphere at all.

Inbetweeners style Lads Holidays late 80’s early 90’s and repeated England hard luck stories later here we are another game away from a Major Final. Here’s hoping.

(Got talking to a random Town Fan at Half Time / Full Time outside a Town Centre Pub on Saturday who had become aware of My Leeds allegiance. Decent guy, good sensible conversation had and we got onto subject of % passion for Club v Country. Mine was 100% Leeds / 95% England whereas he said 100% Town / 80% England)…..

I find myself celebrating an England Goal with virtually as much gusto as I do My Club Team …..could be an age thing knowing I may not have many more Tournament Chances to wallow in the joy of victory.

I reckon we probably watched Euro 96 in the same place (the ultra salubrious surroundings of the Marsh House) which was easily the England high point for me and with every tournament that passes my enthusiasm fades a little more, even though we have been relatively successful recently.

Yes halcyon days when Club Rivalries were put on the shelf for 90 minutes anyway!

Saw a Marsh House infamous character from back in the day W*g*y on Saturday who was slightly inebriated (nothing new there) who promised me when he won the lottery he will open the Marsh House back up. Looking forward to that! 🫣🫣🫣

[stevvy]

First tournament I remember is Euro 96, in particular the Scotland, Netherlands and Germany games.

As for club v country, If Town win it makes me bloody happy, if Town score I go mad, if Town lose I can be a miserable bastard depending on the circumstances.

Used to be the case 25-30 years ago that I'd be excited or would go 'YES!' if England scored, but for the last 15-20 years especially, I just don't care. I don't even bother watching England these days, haven't done for years, not seen any of our games so far and if we get to the final I'll give it a miss.

Town beating Morecambe in the EFL Cup means more to me than England winning any tournament, even the world cup.

If England win the tournament then obviously that's good for the country, but a bit like when we lost in the final 3 years ago, will I actually care? Nah

[yorik]

100 per cent Town 50 per cent England since Gareth's boring safety first football. First world cup I watched all way through was 66 Charlton, Moore, Peters, Hurst and the great Eusabio for Portugal. Then 1970 the great Brazilian team Pele, jairazinho, Rivelinho. England 2 up against the Germans and Ramsey takes off Charlton our best player Muller pounces and we're out. Banks mysteriously going down with food poisoning. Should have been a England v Brazil final. Best I've seen England play after that was the 4-1 against Holland 66. Venables a far better coach than Southgate.Akk that really matters is Town getting automatic promotion this season

[yorik]

V Holland should read 1996 sorry

[lossiemouthtownfan]

Seen England 3 times all in Germany, ( it was West Germany at the time)

For the record:-
1/ Against West Germany in Düsseldorf, Lost
2/ Against Republic of Ireland, Euro 88, Lost
3/ Soviet Union, Euro 88, Lost

Lost all 3 so not going again😉😉

[nearwildheaven]

Jul 9, 2024 18:29:55 GMT 1 lossiemouthtownfan said:

Seen England 3 times all in Germany, ( it was West Germany at the time)

For the record:-
1/ Against West Germany in Düsseldorf, Lost
2/ Against Republic of Ireland, Euro 88, Lost
3/ Soviet Union, Euro 88, Lost

Lost all 3 so not going again😉😉

A tournament worth remembering for the Holland and Soviet kits.