It has been a welcome boost to the nation to have our England football team get to their second successive European Championship final.  Our third major final in English football history, it was the first one abroad and the second one for Gareth Southgate as manager.  He also has the achievement of managing England to the World Cup semi-final in 2018, one of only three ever achieved.

I write immediately after watching the final where England gave it their all and provided a thrilling evening of entertainment and drama for the nation.  There is no shame in losing to Spain.  They were the best team in the tournament who won all their matches, including against other top teams.  They are arguably the best national side in the world right now.

Gareth Southgate’s eight years longevity and performance record as England’s manager is the best of modern times.  I’m quite sure there will be national recognition in the near future, but I hope we can finally get something locally sorted out to recognise the achievements of Crawley’s most famous son.  We do need to seriously look at this, but we also need to get it right and ensure that recognition is fitting and long lasting.

We have a proud history of sporting heroes in Crawley.  Back in March this year, I was pleased to attend an event at K2 Crawley to unveil 12 new names and portraits to the sporting wall on the ground floor taking the total to 25, a kind of wall of fame.  It is surprising how many top sportsmen and women are either from Crawley or have a strong connection with our town.  It is good that they are showcased in this way and we should never shy away from celebrating success, whether that be in sport, business, academia, or any walk of life.    

Alongside Gareth Southgate, others on there include sporting heroes of yesteryear such as the late Alan Minter, Daley Thompson, Sally Gunnell and Sharron Davies. We can look forward to seeing more inspirational sportsmen and women at the Paris Olympics from Friday next week.     

Councillor Duncan Crow, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Conservative Group

18th July 2024