So tell me, does this scenario ring true: It’s Wednesday the sixteenth of October, 8.14pm. You are sitting in a pub with a diverse group of fans watching England, currently trailing to another one of those magic goalkeeping moments from the senile ponytail, launch an immediate response. Scholes wins the ball and threads it through to David Beckham.
The group rise to their feet in anticipation as Beckham lifts the ball above the flailing Macedonian keeper into the empty net. Pandemonium erupts as the fans celebrate the equalising goal. They return to their seats to find that one fan was left unmoved by the experience. He calmly sipped his drink while the great event took place. Put simply it was England; he didn’t really care. His friends looked on in a mixture of shock and bewilderment. This was England, they thought, why didn’t he care.
This scenario took place. The indifferent fan was I. The perplexed reaction was real. This situation led me to wonder why I felt this way. Place me in front of a match involving Liverpool and I am a different animal. Owen and Gerrard play for both sides, and I am English, so why am I left cold by the entire England road show.
To me, it is not just about football. The fact that two Manchester United players were involved in the goal does not explain the complete apathy shown by Kopites towards the national side. Football contains many facets that make it the game that we are all drawn to. One factor, arguably more important then any other, is identity. If I am on holiday and I am asked where I hail from I say Liverpool, not England. I am a scouser, not an Englishmen.
There are many factors that have moulded this attitude. One issue, of course, is the stance that the rest of the nation adopts towards Liverpool. Most believe us to be militant thief’s who avoid work at all cost. The stereotypical scouser, as depicted by Harry Enfield, has seeped into the national conscience to such an extent that employers admit they are likely to shun potential workers who speak with a Liverpool accent. It makes you wonder if the average native of Merseyside avoids work or is not allowed to work?
Personally, my support for England was dealt a final blow just a few months ago. When speaking to a friend I was disgusted by the anecdote I was told. My friend had travelled to Newcastle for a party only to find the glaring spectre of prejudice at the door. The woman who answered the door seemed friendly enough at first. She greeted the guests and asked them were they had travelled from. ‘Liverpool’. The reply was perfectly innocently uttered but it was not received in such a manner. The woman turned and told her guests to keep hold of their coats as a couple of scousers were coming in. It’s hard to describe the anger I felt at this time. Sadly it’s a common story too often told. After hearing that how could I possibly consider myself a true England fan.
Another factor is the treatment that Liverpool players have received from England supporters over the years. Emile Heskey is only the latest in a long line of Liverpool players to suffer under the viscous treatment of England’s less desirable fans. Amidst the clamour for action against the Slovakian FA the actions of some England supporters, not all it must be said, went largely un-noticed. It was reported on national radio that many chanted vile and hurtful racist remarks in the direction of the Liverpool forward. Many of those guilty of such a terrible act would have publicly agreed with the criticism that the Slovaks received. In the dark company of like - minded individuals the conversation would be most different.
Again I ask myself how can I support a team who such a following, however small that group may be. Yet still people cannot understand why this Liverpool fan is not passionate about England. People cannot understand why the majority of Liverpool fans are not passionate about England.
I have no problem with the players who represent England. Not even the Manchester United members (ok maybe Gary Neville). I have no problem with the majority of England fans who simply want to see England do well. But I find it hard to explain to my England supporting friends that I just don’t feel the same way. The passion, tension, and emotional involvement that I feel when watching Liverpool can never be replicated when I watch England.
Thankfully the international break is over. I may be a bit more nervous when Liverpool take to the field but at least I know they are my team.