As England look towards their World Cup opener next week, the Three Lions fans are preparing for another summer of excitement and optimism, as the country look to win their first World Cup in 60 years. Football in England feels different, but why?

In a country with 53,000 grass football pitches, 2.2 million participants last season and over 40,000 association football clubs, winning footballs major prize would be so precious, but why is England’s love for football so strong?

The Home of Football

Football in its earliest form in said to originate in England in the 12th century, when many would line the roads and meadows, kicking a ball or anything they could find.

A very loose set of rules saw a very violent version of the game being played, with punching often as common as kicking, but it was in the 1800’s in which football was brought to public schools, and a set of rules were introduced into the game.

In fact every Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, people living in the town of Ashbourne gather and attempt to score on the other side of the town, playing football by its very traditional rules.

The working-class nature of football is one of the reasons why it is so popular in England.

The English national team were then founded in 1870, 156 years ago, becoming the first ever established national football team, and after winning their first World Cup in 1966, will be hoping they can win it again this summer.

From Jumpers for Goalposts to Packed Stadiums

Football in England is so important, with its accessibility and social nature, it is almost impossible to avoid it when walking down the road, or when passing the local park.

English football culture is one of its kind, with every Saturday giving a 90 minute release to all supporters across the country.

Thousands gather in local pubs, wearing club colours and chanting decade-old songs, pushing their clubs forward.

Football is the heart of many communities, bringing towns and cities together and giving them a chance to dream.

Supporting a team gives an identity, and provides fans with a family and safe space in which they can go to and speak and socialize with people similar to them.

Street football provided an upbringing for many of the England stars of the past and of today, with World Cup winning captain Bobby Moore and manager Sir Alf Ramsey developing a wealth of footballing talent whilst growing up playing on the streets of Barking and Dagenham.

Now, football is played in cages of council estates and local recreation grounds in the country, praised for preventing gang violence and antisocial behaviour in many areas of London.

England's Heroes and Role Models

Generations upon generations have watched England go to major tournaments full of hope and optimisms, but very few have actually seen England win anything.

1966 was the first and last time the England men’s team have lifted a major trophy, the World Cup, after defeating West Germany 4-2 at Wembley Stadium.

Stars like Bobby Moore, Gordon Banks and Geoff Hurst were led by Sir Alf Ramsey, and it was Hurst that scored a hat-trick in the final.

Now, 60 years later, the Three Lions will be hoping that they can finally bring it home.

England are in Group L, and will face Croatia, Ghana and Panama.

The list of England heroes is widespread and ageless, with modern stars such as Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka carrying on the legacy left by icons like Paul Gasgcoine, Gary Linekar and Wayne Rooney.

Dreaming of Glory in 2026

The FIFA World Cup is just less than a week away, and the hope and optimism is once again beginning to build in England.

Thomas Tuchel’s appointment in 2024 filled the English with excitement – a serial winner and renowned tactician.

England went unbeaten in qualifying, 8 games, 8 wins, 0 goals conceded, and will be hoping they can continue their fine form this summer.

They campaign begins on the 17th June against Croatia, before games against Ghana and Panama.

Harry Kane’s 41 goal contributions in 31 games, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka’s Premier League success and the resurgence of young talents such as Nico O’Reilly and Kobbie Mainoo will excite England fans, as the country looks to end their 60 years of hurt.