There are many misconceptions about the British football anthem Three Lions and what it actually means.
First heard in 1996, and repeated several times since, it is not the display of arrogance, bravado or English bravado that some have suggested. Instead, it’s a message of great hope and a cry for many fans who follow a team that has proposed cheating too many times to mention.
England were at it again on Wednesday in Atlanta, and for more than an hour against the Democratic Republic of Congo it seemed as if the only talk was about how boss Thomas Tuchel would follow up with his Dutch counterpart Ronald Koeman to do the honours.
That they didn’t throw it away or wave it away but live to fight another day was down to captain Harry Kane. Still, the last 16 clash with Mexico that arrived courtesy of a 2-1 victory represents another opportunity to share disappointment with a new line to an old song.
Not that false dreams of glory are the English’s only affliction, expectations for Belgium have been high, and they too are still alive after a stunning clash with Senegal. The USA’s matchup with Bosnia and Herzegovina tips off at 8 p.m., but until then, here’s a look back at what happened overnight.
