Okay, so the England World Cup dream is over.
Waistcoat Wednesday ended in a painful 2-1 defeat against Croatia after an agonising 30 minutes of extra time.
But it’s not all doom and gloom.
Despite the sore heads, abandoned England flags and disappointed fans, there’s plenty to be cheerful about.
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The curse of penalty shootouts is broken
England isn’t famous for winning penalty shoot-outs. In fact, England’s penalty shootout record at World Cups is the worst of any country.
But as Kane’s team took to the penalty spot in a shootout against Columbia, the curse was broken, with a nail-biting 4-3 win that took them through to the quarter finals.
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The sun is shining
The heatwave, that has brought weeks of endless sunshine and blue skies, looks set to continue into the Summer holidays.
That means barbecues with friends, lazy beach days, long afternoons in the park and cold beers. Perfect.
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There’s still a couple of weeks of Love Island left
It’s not quite the same as watching England in the World Cup, but the battle of Idris vs Alex, the blossoming relationship of Wes & Meg, plus the other drama in the luxury pad, has millions gripped.
Escape into another world this month, watching this year’s Love Island contestants fighting it out in their 5 star Majorcan villa.
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The Summer holidays are just around the corner
Six glorious weeks lay ahead for millions of children throughout the country, as the schools break up for Summer.
And there’s loads to look forward to. Days out on their bikes, paddling in the sea, plus Season 5 of Fortnite launches, Tom Cruise shows he’s still got it in Mission: Impossible – Fallout, and brand new Maltesers Buttons are available in supermarkets.
Plus you can get a week by the sea in Cornwall from less than £20 per person, per night.
There’s nothing like a holiday on the horizon to get you through another week at work….
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The England team has brought the country together
After an appalling performance in 2014, expectations weren’t high for the 2018 World Cup. But since England beat Tunisia 2-1 in their opening match, moods in the country have lifted, national pride has grown, and Gareth Southgate’s team have gone from zero to hero.
Yes England lost this match but they already won the hearts and minds of my little angles who came to the England 2 years ago from #Syria and made England their new HOME. They kept shouting #ComeOnEnglnd even after the game was over. Thank you #England #threelions #WorldCup18 pic.twitter.com/46aGnnMWhK
— Ahmad Al-Rashid (@jackahmed12) July 11, 2018
Chants of “Football’s Coming Home” have been heard throughout the land, roads have been blocked by victorious parades and strangers have come together to share momentous games at public screenings.
It feels good.
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The 12 Thai boys and their coach were rescued successfully
While England continued their World Cup mission, news from the other side of the world was making headlines. It was a tense couple of weeks, but after seventeen days underground, the Wild Boars football team and their coach were safely rescued from the cave near Chaing Mai.
The rescue operation was dangerous, and sadly claimed the life of one of the rescuers, but it’s a miracle that more people didn’t lose their lives. That has to be something to be thankful for.
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It’s National Tequila Day
Originally an American event, this very special day has come to the UK, thanks to the growing popularity of the drink.
National Tequila Day falls on 28th July.
Some studies (see below) have shown it’s good for your health, so get your salt and lime at the ready, fill the shot glasses, and make Tequila Day 2018 one to remember (or forget…)
“Studies have shown that a component in tequila helps break down dietary fat, which can lower the levels of bad cholesterol. A shot taken after dinner can aid your body’s digestion.” Source
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In two years, it’s Euro 2020
We don’t have to wait another four years for another opportunity for football to come home…. Euro 2020 kicks off in June 2020, and the semi-finals and final are being held at Wembley, so you won’t need to travel to Russia to experience the thrill of a live England match!
So although we’re disappointed that England didn’t make it into the Final, it’s not all bad news.
Pay day is just a couple of weeks away, the sun’s shining and there’s still plenty of time to book a holiday by the coast. What better way to leave behind the memories of defeat (*stifled sob*) and look forward to a blissful break away?