There are many reasons to become depressed about the state of football: when the England defence start faffing about yet again; when Spurs are being Spursy; when Man City, with the so-called best manager and team in the league, get stuffed by Sporting Lisbon (and Spurs). But then I pause, and smile. I think: “Well, at least football has given us a lot.” We should be grateful.
It’s largely agreed that it was the English who created the beautiful game, and formalised it back in 1863 when the FA was formed and the rules were established. Now look where the sport is: it’s a global phenomenon.
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