Henry Winter

Les Semiserables. France so poor, almost lifeless, suffocated by the superb Spanish, who dominated midfield. Rodri supreme. Cucurella and Porro outstanding full-backs. Deservedly through to the #FIFAWorldCup final #FRAESP

@worksopdanic Yup fair assessment

@henrywinter France played Tchouameni who clearly isn’t over the thigh injury. Their best midfielder then got a booking and they’ve had to sub him off. Kone & Tchou have been awful second half.

Weird French performance. Look spooked by Spain for most of the game. Olise subdued and now subbed. Hope for some wizardry from Cherki. Down to Mbappe now. But two goals adrift to the masters of control? #FRAESP

The risk of the late flag. When clearly off. #FRAESP

Declan Rice fit. All England players in full training at Swope Soccer Village this morning, apart from Jordan Henderson who has a broken wrist. Jarell Quansah serving final game of his two-match ban.

Secondary market a primary concern with crowd control. Report from Atlanta. #ENGARG open.substack.com/pub/henrywinte…

@markadams_kop @cowlonfull Thanks Mark. You’ve chosen well

@henrywinter @cowlonfull Enjoyed your insight throughout your stay in my adopted home town

Farewell Kansas City, it’s been fun. Friendly people, gentler pace of life than elsewhere, apart from the tornados, fascinating Civil War history (Battle of Westport, the “Gettysburg of the West”), good bars, the best ribs, world champions of barbecues, nobody else can sing that.

@RonbotLawblog Really enjoyed it Aaron.

@henrywinter Cheers Henry, we appreciate the kind words.

@tsnmike Been to Memphis but mainly for an Elvis homage

@henrywinter You ever been to Memphis, Henry? Because that might change your mind about barbecue.

@Chef_PhilipT Great city and wonderful m, chef. I’ve taken some souvenirs in the form of extra pounds.

@henrywinter World champions of BBQ.., we will take it! It’s been wonderful to host

Queue for one of the Atlanta fanzones to watch France v Spain.

Atlanta. #ENGARG

@Chris_Taylor32 @WeAreFreeLions @WeAreTheFSA Well, it’s a really important statement and let’s hope there are no issues. Lack of segregation an obvious concern. The secondary market has a lot to answer for.

@henrywinter @WeAreFreeLions @WeAreTheFSA Henry, given that fans will be mixed in the stadium, how do you anticipate Fifa will deal with this?

"We’ve continued to show that the outdated stereotypes don’t define us. Everywhere we’ve gone, the focus has been on the passion, humour and backing you’ve given the team." Statement from England fans' body to fans gathering in Atlanta @WeAreFreeLions @WeAreTheFSA #ENGARG

Playing Argentina in the World Cup immediately brings back a host of memories for Mark Robson, son of the late, great Sir Bobby Robson, England's manager at the Azteca in 1986. “Dad would have been thrilled to watch the game and for England to have opportunity to progress in the tournament.” Mark had just finished uni and watched from afar the quarter-final against Diego Maradona's Argentina 40 years ago. “I remember watching the ‘Hand of God’ moment with great clarity. He clearly punched the ball in the net and we were waiting for the ref’s whistle to blow. Then I saw Maradona running to the corner flag and celebrating and I was still waiting for the whistle or the linesman’s flag. I just couldn’t believe it when the goal stood. “I know dad was deeply upset by the injustice of it, although he was careful with his words afterwards. I think he said football had been cheated, and it’s well known he corrected Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ description to the ‘hand of a rascal’. “That ‘86 team had given so much and it was bitter way to go behind, but here we are, 40 years later and still reflecting on that moment, that game and that goal. That’s the power of football and it’s enabling us to do keep doing great things today through dad’s cancer foundation. “We’re currently building a £30m cancer drug research hub and the fundraising for it is being supported by players from that ’86 squad. Peter Reid, who played a key role for dad in Mexico, is planning some special fundraising for us this year and will be visiting the site of the Sir Bobby Robson Institute in Newcastle soon. "I know my dad would be immensely humbled that his England players are still supporting him now. In fact, he’d be staggered and really grateful for their support. “I think he’d say, 'well, that’s why I picked them for my team in the first place, because they are men with that kind of commitment and character'." Reid recalled, “Maradona’s first goal was what it was, but the second was magnificent. Then Gary Lineker pulled one back for us but it wasn’t enough. The gaffer was absolutely devastated afterwards. We all felt it really badly because to lose in that manner hurt. Bobby was great after the game though. He basically said to us all to go and let our hair down and, believe me, we all went and let our hair down. We needed it. “I’m really proud to be doing some fundraising this year for Sir Bobby’s Foundation and I know it does great work. It’s an honour to still be part of his team 40 years after Mexico 86.” @SBRFoundation sirbobbysgreatestteam.co.uk

World Cup Diary, Day 30. Kansas City/Atlanta. The joy of Mikel Merino; love brewing; Argentina more than Messi; the kids in America; and full-back option. @WorldSoccerMag worldsoccer.com/world-soccer-l…

@NamathJo thanks Jo, I'd forgotten that. It was quite respectful (thought I think it's a stupid rule tbh)

@henrywinter Great summary. He also had a memorable moment in Cameroon-Brazil where he sent off Aboubakar with a smile and handshake. Got his second yellow after taking his shirt off to celebrate a last minute winner.

Interesting back-story to Ismail Elfath, the American referee for England v Argentina. Born in Casablanca, Elfath won a US government “diversity lottery ticket” aged 18. Left an extended family of 16 in his grandfather’s house (his mother died when he was 8), arrived with $200 at University of Texas at Austin. Studied mechanical engineering, played decent standard locally (striker for Austin Lightning in USL League Two) and complained about refereeing standards so decided to become one. Continued playing until tackled badly from behind, over-reacted, sent off, and argued with ref, grabbing the red card, on way off. Briefly suspended, so decided to focus on reffing. Got a job in IT (useful for VAR) while climbing refereeing ladder. Not that well-known, mainly MLS, but did Qatar 2022, upset Cristiano Ronaldo by disallowed a goal for an apparent foul, and a lucky omen for Argentina – fourth official in the 2022 final they won. Now 44, and a naturalised US citizen, Elfath has spoken candidly to his local Austin American-Statesman newspaper about being Muslim after 9/11, talking of the abuse but also of the great kindness of Austin people. Role model for US refereeing and his faith. #ENGARG #FIFAWorldCup

@KCSocWiz good to hear, KC. Good luck to him in Atlanta. btw I leave KC tonight, lovely city, most polite people I've ever met.

@henrywinter I attended an in-person ref class with Ismail a few years ago and took an online lecture with AR2 who’s also from Kansas City. Top class professionals and great gentlemen.

@GraemeBandeira Make a great album cover. The Bandy

Buongiorno! 😎🇮🇹