Semi-final defeat by Holland has raised questions about manager’s approach and the old failing of ball retention proved key once more
On the stroke of 8am, a uniformed attendant parked his van alongside the FanZone and surveyed a grisly scene. After pausing momentarily, he began painstakingly clearing the mini-mountain of litter scarring a usually serene patch of grass, bisecting a pleasant square.
Bit by bit the polystyrene cartons, beer cans, cigarette ends and empty pizza boxes scarring this corner of downtown Enschede disappeared. Around 90 miles to the west, another type of Friday morning cleanup was similarly underway at England’s Utrecht base. As Holland fans partied late in the FanZone following the Oranje’s 3-0 semi-final deconstruction of Mark Sampson’s side here on Thursday, the Lionesses, several tearful, were driven back to their hotel for one final night in the Netherlands.
Related: England’s Lucy Bronze hits out at referee after Euro 2017 defeat
Related: England’s Mark Sampson plans period of reflection after Euro 2017 defeat
Continue reading...