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England Football: The Biography

1872 - 2022

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England Football: The Biography

By: Paul Hayward
Narrated by: Chris Harper
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About this listen

 LONGLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR PRIZE
‘The greatest story in English sport told beautifully by one of its greatest writers’ Gary Lineker
'A spellbinding piece of work' Oliver Holt; 'Absolute tour de force' Henry Winter

Award-winning writer Paul Hayward delivers a compelling and unmissable account of the story of the England men's football team, published as they prepare for the World Cup in Qatar.

On 30 November 1872, England took on Scotland at Hamilton Crescent in Glasgow, a match that is regarded as the first international fixture. More than 5,000 fans watched the two sides play out a 0-0 draw. It was the first of more than a thousand games played by the side, and the beginning of a national love affair that unites the country in a way that few other events can match.

In Hayward's brilliant new biography of the team, based on interviews with dozens of past and present players and coaches, including Viv Anderson, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and current coach Gareth Southgate, we get a vivid portrait of all aspects of the team's story, reliving highlights such as the World Cup victory in 1966 and the time when football came home in Euro 96, as well as the low points when the players were obliged to give the Nazi salute in 1938 and the era when England's hooligan fans brought shame on the nation. From Stanley Matthews and Bobby Moore through to more modern heroes such as Paul Gascoigne, David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane, Hayward brings a large cast of characters to life.

For anyone who wants to understand England football, and why it means so much to so many, England Football: The Biography is an essential and vital read. Football (American) Football (Soccer) Sports Sports History Biography England England Football

Critic reviews

‘The greatest story in English sport told beautifully by one of its greatest writers’ (Gary Lineker)
'Going far beyond the familiar tales of triumph and turbulence, Paul Hayward brings wisdom, perspective, a refusal to settle for the conventional wisdom and an elegant pen to a story that tells us a great deal about football but even more about ourselves. England Football: The Biography is an instant classic that will be read for generations to come.' (Richard Williams)
'Every bit as good as expected. Paul Hayward's definitive biography, critique - and search for answers - over 150 years of England. Woe, joy, misadventure, rebirth, more woe, but ultimately … hope. A great tale of Englishness and the team’s place in the national psyche.' (Sam Wallace)
'Absolute tour de force by ?Paul Hayward on England's history: 150 years in 600 pages. Great insight and revealing interviews.' (Henry Winter)
'This is, predictably, a spellbinding piece of work by ?Paul Hayward. I’ve seen someone else describe it as an instant classic and they’re right. It’s out soon and absolutely brilliantly written.' (Oliver Holt)
'An incredible book, charting the history of the England national team down the years. My great pal and inspiration ??Paul Hayward has? written the definitive book England Football: The Biography. Can’t recommend it highly enough.' (John Cross)
'This impeccably researched, superbly written book by Paul Hayward places the England team in the instructive context of 150 years of intermittent achievement. An outstanding piece of work.' (Michael Calvin)
'A compelling, brilliantly researched history of the national side. Although the early sections are obviously distant in terms of time, they are nonetheless engrossing... Hayward offers a riveting analysis of the taciturn coach Alf Ramsey... Hayward’s superb book is a must for any true football fan.' (Martin Chilton)
All stars
Most relevant
A superb football history, well written and extensively researched. Difficult to put down and highly recommended.

A unique history of the England national team.

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Brilliantly researched book packed full of quality insight. Would highly recommend as a xmas gift.

Excellent

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fascinating insight to the highs, and many lows of the English national football team. players and managers from the past brought to life in this engrossing story of glory and disaster.

The story of the England football team, warts and all

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A fascinating history of the many failures and few successes of the men’s team. And provides a clear eyed view of why we are finally getting things right

A must listen for anyone interested in the men’s England football team

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