England may have lost the final, but our prize is more than just a trophy.

Tears are streaming down the faces of some, while others are taking the loss more stoically but no less seriously. England failed to bring it home again, as they were knocked out by Spain just before the end of the match. But for all those who are upset, whether you are angry, sad or despairing, let me try to cheer you up and say: Chin up. Chin up, because we have a lot to be proud of and have won more than we think.

The progress of the English Lions

Blinding frustration. That’s how I felt after watching the England v Denmark match. The England v Serbia match started well, but after our first goal I felt like we dropped the ball less and kicked it more, if you’ll pardon the pun. When I went to watch the England v Denmark match, I could only watch in irritation as mistakes were made, the game plan was poorly executed and we narrowly won – again. Then the election campaign flared up and my priorities changed.

And yet, when the 5^e July came and I was enjoying all that I had missed from the campaign, when something strange happened. I woke up from what felt like a daydream of negativity to the cold, hard and brilliant reality that we were in fact in the final. Again. The Three Lions had made it to the UEFA final. I remember the last time we made it there, three years ago against Italy. I remember it well, the little I saw of it.

Our defeat

I went into the game knowing we would lose, and predicting our defeat. What hurt most was when England scored that goal. Not the goal itself, I was happy about it. But bruised by hope when it was snatched away by Spain in those last, agonizing minutes. Perhaps the words of a friend that night were true: “when you think it’s going to happen, it happens.”

The loss was a great shame but I am so proud of the team that took us to the final and almost brought football back home. Proud of Gareth Southgate, a man whose position I felt was untenable until we got to the final. He really should not have resigned. We have been on the edge more than once; we must never forget how capable we have been.

Community spirit

The flags and the songs. The food and the drink. The great times with friends. Isn’t that what it’s really all about? Sitting around a pub table with friends, laughing and joking, sharing the thrill of victory or the pain of defeat as we watch the game on TV? Coming together across England to support our three lions, regardless of our politics or local football loyalties or whatever other silly issues may divide us. None of the trivial tribal stuff matters as everyone comes together to cheer on the national team, a nationwide friendship forged in sport.

That’s what football is all about for me. That’s the real prize. Yes, I was upset about the loss, I walked home dejected. I was upset when the penalty kicks went against us in our final against Italy all those years ago. I remember that mistake so well, standing at work and watching it all fall apart. But the pain barely lasted a whole day, because when it’s all said and done, it’s just a game. Our boys did well. And the prize we won by coming together was far more valuable than a cup.

The beautiful times

Years later, when I think back on these moments, I won’t remember who England narrowly beat. I won’t remember who beat us. Hardly anyone will. I will remember the great moments we had watching the games.

I will remember sitting there with friends of all different opinions, but friends, friends come together to support England. The wonderful memories I made, I will remember. Those are my prizes, far better than any medal, cup or trophy. So chin up England, we came a fantastic second place and won wonderful memories that will stay with us for the rest of our days. We should be proud of all that.