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Baddiel: 60 Years of English Football's Ups & Downs
15 May
Summary
- The series explores Englishness through the Men's Football team's history.
- It examines national myths forged and reflected in the team's fate.
- The show delves into the 1966 World Cup win and its context.
The series "Sixty Years of Hurt with David Baddiel" delves into the complex relationship between English identity and the history of the England Men's Football team. It posits football as a crucial institution for defining what it means to be English.
The program begins by examining the pivotal 1966 World Cup victory, analyzing how this event resonated with and defined "swinging London" while also reflecting a different England. It traces the game's origins, with a curious note about Henry VIII owning football boots.
Baddiel also seeks perspectives from Wales, converses about national anthems, and considers the narratives surrounding the team's fortunes. The series explores how national myths are constructed and reflected in the collective experience of the players and fans.
Further insights are drawn from England's sporting rivals, including Argentina, and a comparative look is taken at the achievements of the England Women's team in relation to the men's narrative. Contributors include Stephen Fry, Alex James, and David Seaman, among many others.
