Queen Elizabeth II has died. Going to the throne in 1952 (at the age of 25), the sovereign celebrated her 70th anniversary last April. She was a symbol for all women of the time and an icon for the youngest, also for her life outside Buckingham Palace. If you are English, obviously football is one of your passions, let alone if you are the Queen of England.
In fact, Elizabeth repeatedly found herself in the middle of English football stories. As for the 1966 home World Cup, the only one won by the Three Lions national team. The hosts dominate the tournament. In that Rimet Cup, Queen Elizabeth marks the beginning and the end. It was she who kicked off on 11 July 1966, and then concluded it two weeks later with the delivery of the trophy to Sir Bobby Charlton at Wembley. The victory against West Germany, seen by the sovereign in the stands, marks the most important piece of history in the history of English football. Germany who then took his "revenge" at the 1996 European Championships by winning the tournament in England with the award given once again to Queen Elizabeth.
"The Queen supports Arsenal"
However, her passion for football does not stop there because the Queen was also a great Arsenal fan. A passion handed down by her mother and which she in turn passed on to her nephew, Duke of Sussex, Harry. This was revealed by Cesc Fabregas in 2007. The Gunners were invited to Buckingham Palace after Elizabeth was forced to miss the opening of the new Emirates Stadium due to back pain. The Queen on that occasion confessed her passion for Arsenal, confirmed years later by the then leader of the Labor party Jeremy Corbyn in a speech in the House of Commons.
Elizabeth II has always had a special eye for football also with regard to the appointment of Sir and members of the British Empire. The latter includes various Gerrard, Sheringham, Harry Kane and the more recent Marcus Rashford (for his help to needy families during the pandemic). Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and the aforementioned Bobby Charlton, among many, can boast of the title of sir. All nominated by Queen Elizabeth, along with other sports personalities (see Lewis Hamilton).
What may seem a cold and detached Queen, has instead represented an important figure for English sport, making it pass from a simple pastime to a real foundation of society. The "London Bridge" funeral plan is already starting, and the hearts of English sportsmen are a little more empty: "God save the queen, forever".
By Filippo Rocchi
