Baddiel Unpacks Englishness Via Football's 'Golden Age'

David Baddiel's "Sixty Years of Hurt" series offers a deep dive into the concept of Englishness, examining how it's shaped and reflected by the England Men's Football team. This is presented as a social and cultural history, intertwined with the narrative of international football.

The fourth episode specifically targets the period spanning the 1990s and 2000s. It marks Italia 90 as a significant moment that altered public perception of the sport. The episode then scrutinizes the promise and subsequent decline associated with the 'golden generation' of players.

Across the series, Baddiel engages with national myths forged through the team's fortunes. It also considers perspectives from rivals and the impact of the Lionesses' success on the men's story. A range of notable figures, including Stephen Fry and David Seaman, contribute to the discussions.