TitleThought For The Day – Wednesday 15th July 2026
Wonderwall
1 week to go of this season. The summer holidays will feel far better, and next term will commence more positively, if we all finish this season respectfully and well.
31 years ago this October, the song “Wonderwall” was released.
For the author, and writer, of this timeless song, the lyrics referred to being saved by an imaginary friend: “Because maybe, you’re going to be one that saves me.”
For the singer of this classic song, a “Wonderwall”, was a set of influences, and inspirations, documented in words and pictures, which may be displayed in someone’s room or mind.
What, and who, would be on the Wonderwall of your school year?
What, and who, would be on the Wonderwall of your life?
Wonderful times.
And very challenging moments.
Past, present, and future.
“And all the roads we have to walk are winding. And all the lights that lead us there are blinding.”
This summer, the song “Wonderwall” has been the song England men’s football team, and their supporters, have sung at the end of their matches.
This evening, U.K. time, the England men’s football team will play their World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, the home of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Junior, against Argentina. Argentina are the current men’s football World Cup champions.
Both teams, and their supporters, will have a (less important) dream this evening.
Though just a sporting fixture, this match has a history.
Sixty years ago, en route to their victory in the Final, England defeated Argentina 1-0 at Wembley Stadium. The goal was scored by Sir Geoff Hurst, who visits Bishop’s Stortford in late September of this year, In a bad-tempered encounter, before there were yellow or even red cards, the captain of Argentina, Antonio Rattin, who passed away from this life last Sunday, was ordered to leave the field of play.
Forty years ago, in Mexico, Diego Maradona scored the most controversial of “goals”. A few minutes later, he scored one of the greatest ever goals.
Twenty-eight years ago, in France, England were defeated on penalties, despite a brilliant goal by Michael Owen, then just 18 years old. A former resistant of Sawbridgeworth, Sir David Beckham, was sent off, after he retaliated. Disgracefully, he suffered verbal abuse, which is always unacceptable and wrong, for months afterwards.
Twenty-four years ago, in Japan, there was redemption for Sir David Beckham. With courage, determination, resilience, and skill, Sir David took, and scored, a penalty that defeated another very successful Argentinian team.
This evening, Lionel Messi, the great and historic Argentinian footballer, plays his 206th international game, and his first against England. His genius is born of complete dedication and sacrifice, as the following inspirational clip demonstrates. Tears to cheers: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/videos/c9363yer2deo
We hope people play and follow respectfully, safely, and thoughtfully this evening. We hope the game brings out the best in all. Like the England women’s team in recent times.
In our lives, whatever is on our appropriate Wonderwall, we create positive legacies, memories and moments that will last a lifetime and more.
And, as “The Hillsborough Law” was debated, and approved, by Members of Parliament last evening , remembering a disaster that happened when supporters went to a match and never came home, we always remember that some things, Truth, Justice and Values, are what is important and what ultimately matters.
