MFP
Well-known member
Much of it is our own doing.I've not read the book but it's clear that Blatter had a personal grudge with England. In a certain way I see FIFA's point. Only England's authority calls itself The Football Association. Why can't they have a bit of modesty and call themselves the English Football Association.
That said, it is baffling how England has only ever hosted two international football tournaments. The country is football crazy with the grounds and infrastructure to allow for a good competition.
I understand the 1996 argument, but put it into context. Club football (which is dominant in England) was only just changing. Most clubs had mainly British and Irish players. These days club football is cosmopolitan. At least in the Premier League and Championship. I think fans would go to non England games as they know most players well as many have played or play in England.
World Cup-wise we withdrew our 1990 bid and again the 1998 bid as we concentrated on hosting Euro '96, which we entered into a gentleman's agreement with Germany not to offer opposition to their World Cup 2006, then reneged on that, put a bid forward, lost it, and damaged our reputation in doing so. And then we had no option but to pull out of 2022 as all the non-UEFA nations did so with the possibility of hosting 2018.
We lost out on hosting the Euros in 1980 to Italy and the issue of hooliganism seemingly damaged our Euro '88 bid.