Thread by @markdoidge

#EURO2020 has opened up a space about what it means to be English and who belongs in England.
This tournament has been a tale of two Englands - one of inclusion and support; the other division and abuse.
Both were on show throughout, and exploded after the final. 1/12

The team demonstrated solidarity & anti-racism for a country divided by a pandemic & hate: Rashford & Henderson who had coordinated support during the pandemic, to Sterling’s leadership in exposing racism, the team taking the knee to Kane wearing the Pride captain’s armband. 2/12

Many images of fans from communities across the country showed England could be an inclusive nation.
This was important because politicians and media, plus a sizeable section of the country, have openly courted division & exclusion. 3/12

It was also important for English football which has a reputation for obnoxious xenophobia, violence & racism. Hooliganism was called the ‘English disease’ and England fans have frequently been seen as linked to violence and abuse. 4/12

England reaching the final was a momentous occasion - and should have been something to celebrate. The way Southgate and the players have carried themselves after the final continues how they engaged through the tournament - with humility and kindness 5/12

It contrasts with images of England fans fighting and trying to storm into Wembley. Not only is this a country blighted by a pandemic, but one that had the Hillsborough tragedy. English fans should know the dangers of overcrowding. But selfish masculinity kicked in. 6/12

Politicians tried to divide by criticising taking the knee, ignoring the reasons players may have for doing so - reasons that are so clear after the penalties.
Many of these same politicians then tried to jump in the success bandwagon as England progressed. 7/12

The morning after, we see the racism & hatred exposed clearly. The same politicians who criticised players for make a statement against racism - & supported those booing the knee, now condemn the racists, without recognising that they forge the context that lets racism flourish 8

For those who criticised the players, or only welcomed them when they were winning, we see that their belonging was only contingent on England’s success. We should celebrate those players in the same way if they were knocked out in the group stage. 9/12

I hope this tournament can shift the conversation forward. We can already see the culture warriors starting to wind up the divisions again, ignoring the success, and ignoring the hate and racism from those who constitute their audience. 10/12

And we need to have a conversation about masculinity and its role in nationalism, violence and racism. There’s so much football exposes and can help develop constructive conversations over, but it can also reinforce divisions. 11/12

Football is a metaphor - it is the unity & solidarity of a team who has to cooperate with other teams to play; but that team is also creating divisions through victory & defeat. We need to focus on the constructive aspects rather than the divisive ones. 12/12