You didn’t have to be an avid royalist for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations to bring a tear to the eye. Yes, it’s an amazing achievement by Her Majesty, but more than that, the sight of the local community coming together after all the difficult times we have been through in 2020 and 2021 shows what social creatures we really are.
Fortunately, we won’t have to wait another 10 years to come together again. If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to unite a community, it is a football World Cup. People can argue all they want about whether other sports are “better” – whatever that might mean. Football is the most popular sport on the planet with good reason. The basic rules are easy to understand and even non-fans can follow what’s happening without needing any explanations. What’s more, once you start watching it is all too easy to get drawn in.
Countdown to Qatar
There’s still more than four months to go before the action gets underway in Qatar. However, half the fun is in the build-up. There has been plenty of drama in the qualifying stages, especially as far as the other home nations were concerned. Ultimately, both the Irish teams failed to qualify and Scotland also narrowly missed out. However, Wales have made it through for only the second time ever. The other occasion was in 1958, so they will be desperate to make a good showing. The fact that they have been drawn in the same group as England will be sure to stir up some local rivalries!
As for England, they lived up to their billing as one of the favourites for the title by sailing through the qualifiers in serene style. They will also be hot favourites to win Group. The big question will be whether Wales can overcome USA and Iran to take the second slot in the round of 16 for a shot at the quarter finals! If you want to place an early wager, the latest World Cup 2022 odds show England are 1/3 on to win Group B and 7/1 to win the tournament. Unsurprisingly, five times winners Brazil are the tournament favourites at 5/1.
Ladies first
Before Qatar 2022, however, there is the matter of Euro 2022. This is the Women’s European Championship and is being played here in the UK throughout July. 16 teams are taking part, including England, who are twice runners up and Northern Ireland, who make their tournament debut.
Germany have been mighty in years gone by, but four years ago, they were defeated by an impressive Netherlands team. This year, the pundits are finding it hard to call. Both these teams are expected to be strong, but Spain are the early favourites with England and France also at short odds.
Come together for the game
Both Euro 2022 and Qatar 2022 will be televised and games will be shown at most of the pubs in and around Evesham. Why not get out, support your local businesses and enjoy the games in great company? Maybe we’ll see you there!
