Family sacrifice behind England glory
Just as Jarell Quansah was leaving the interview area to re-join his jubilant England Under-21 team-mates on Saturday night, I asked him what it meant to have his family watching on, willing him on and sharing such a special moment in his career. He paused, suddenly emotional, reflecting on the journey he’s been on, and his family’s vital support on the journey.
Before the semi-final against the Dutch and the final against Germany, I chatted to Quansah’s parents. They were sitting with all the other families and friends just in front of the press box at Tehelne pole, home of Slovan Bratislava. They were so emotionally engaged in the occasions, excited, hopeful, anxious, long before kick-off, and then living every moment of the game, every touch Jarell had on the ball, and that the sweetest moment when the final whistle sounded, when all the sacrifice was made worthwhile.