Amid the upcoming UK elections, was Euro 2024 relegated to secondary importance during the recent TV discussion featuring Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer, especially when there were no matches that involved England? The peak viewership for the BBC’s debate was three million, which was significantly dwarfed in comparison to the 6.4 million viewers who tuned into the Georgia v Portugal match on ITV.
This indifference is seemingly reflected among the English footballers in Germany. In a bid to not come across as presumptuous, the English Football Association provided players with necessary information on proxy or postal voting for the election next Thursday. However, according to Ezri Konsa, the topic of politics barely featured, as the television sets were occupied mostly by football matches or popular shows like Love Island. This vague response might suggest potential abstinence from voting by as many as 26 players.
In additional news, the Euro 2024 has yet to see a single goal scored directly from a free-kick. However, considering there was just one in all of Euro 2020, there is ample room for improvement.
In other news, the Belgian town of Wervik has decided to shut the bridge that connects it to its French counterpart, Wervicq-Sud, situated just across the border. This gives rise to speculation about the mayor’s faith in Belgium’s chances to come out victorious in Monday’s match against France.
Youro Casier conveyed to Politico his belief that the French demonstrate a higher degree of nationalism compared to the rest of us. He mentioned from past observations that following a triumphant moment for France, they have a tendency to provoke the ‘little Belgians’ and taunt them using their automobiles. The memory of the World Cup semi-finals defeat in 2018 still causes him a degree of discomfort. Casier pointed out how the victorious French like to parade in their cars, sounding their horns and stepping out to engage in street celebrations. His desire is to prevent sparking reckless behaviours among individuals.
On Monday, starting at the time the match begins until the following morning at six, concrete blocks will prevent vehicles from accessing the bridge. However, pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to cross. He then cautioned that sounding horns is not permissible.
A quote from Emmanuel Petit expressed his contentment about the conclusion of the long-drawn saga about whether Kylian will join Real Madrid. “The incessant speculation around Mbappé’s future, the queries about him maintaining his spot, or even speculations around his dietary habits post-morning meal, all of it has come to a halt and it’s truly a relief”, Petit shared.