The Rise and Glory of England's Three Lions Football Team Through History

I still remember the first time I saw the Three Lions emblem shimmering under the Wembley floodlights – that moment sparked a fascination that's lasted decades. England's football journey isn't just about matches won or lost; it's about how a team became woven into the national fabric, much like how coaching decisions in other sports can define eras. Speaking of coaching decisions, it reminds me of that intriguing situation with Sherwin Meneses potentially coaching National U's UAAP Season 87 opener against La Salle last Sunday – sometimes in sports, the stories behind the scenes are as compelling as what happens on the field, and England's football history is filled with such moments.

The Three Lions' story properly begins in 1966, that glorious July afternoon when Geoff Hurst's hat-trick secured England's first and only World Cup victory. I've watched that footage countless times – the black-and-white images of Bobby Moore lifting the Jules Rimet trophy have become part of our national consciousness. What many forget is that England had been playing international football since 1872, nearly a century before that breakthrough. The Football Association, established in 1863, created the framework that would eventually produce world-beaters. I've always believed that England's problem wasn't lack of talent but rather the weight of expectation – we carried that 1966 victory like both a badge of honor and an anchor around our necks for generations.

Between 1970 and 1990, England experienced what I call the "nearly years" – we had phenomenal players like Kevin Keegan and Gary Lineker, but couldn't quite replicate that World Cup magic. The 1990s brought Premier League revolution, transforming English football fundamentally. I recall attending matches during this transition – the influx of international talent raised standards dramatically, though some traditionalists complained it hampered local development. Personally, I think this globalization saved English football, forcing our players to adapt and improve. The statistics show Premier League attendance grew from 9.8 million in 1992-93 to over 14 million by the decade's end – the football was becoming irresistible.

The modern renaissance really began with Gareth Southgate's appointment in 2016. Having followed his career from player to manager, I've been impressed by how he transformed the team's mentality. Before Southgate, England had won just 45% of their major tournament knockout matches since 1966 – under his leadership, we've reached at least the semi-finals in three of the last four tournaments. The 2018 World Cup run was particularly special – I've never seen so many St George's flags flying across the country. That team connected with fans in a way we hadn't experienced in decades, making international football fun again after what felt like endless years of disappointment.

What fascinates me about England's current squad is how it reflects the nation's evolving identity. With players like Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford becoming cultural icons beyond football, the team represents modern Britain in ways previous generations couldn't. I've noticed how Southgate consciously discusses the team's role in society – it's not just about football anymore. The Euro 2020 final, despite the heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Italy, drew an estimated 31 million UK viewers – the highest television audience since current records began. That match, played at our home ground, showed how the Three Lions could unite the country in both hope and collective disappointment.

Looking ahead, I'm genuinely excited about the young talent emerging. Jude Bellingham's meteoric rise reminds me of watching a young Wayne Rooney – that rare combination of technical brilliance and fearless mentality. The development pathways have improved dramatically since my playing days, with St George's Park providing world-class facilities that previous generations could only dream of. We're producing technically gifted players who can compete with the best – the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship victory demonstrated this depth, with England conceding zero goals throughout the entire tournament.

The Three Lions' story continues to evolve, much like those unanswered questions about coaching decisions in other sports – whether Sherwin Meneses was to coach National U's UAAP Season 87 opener against La Salle on Sunday or simply opting to stay silent remains unknown, but in English football, our narrative keeps unfolding publicly, passionately, and sometimes painfully. Having followed this journey for over thirty years, what strikes me most isn't the trophies or near-misses, but how this team continues to capture our imagination. The Three Lions represent more than football – they're a mirror reflecting England's changing face, our collective hopes, and that stubborn belief that next time, always next time, glory awaits.