The Art of Losing: The Psychology of English football and unpacking the reasons we never get over the line.

Always the bridesmaid and never the bride, but I think Tom Parmenter, the Sky News national correspondent summed it up perfectly: ‘The shirts in the crowd each came from a different era of disappointment.’

Since the iconic victory in the 1966 World Cup, English football has endured a series of near misses and heartbreaks on the international stage. With each tournament, the hopes and dreams of a nation are reignited, only to be dashed once more.

The Burden of History

England's triumph in 1966 remains a source of immense pride, but it has also become a weighty anchor. The constant comparison to that golden year, has cultivated an environment of expectation and pressure that few national teams can withstand. Each squad that dons the Three Lions' crest steps onto the field with the shadow of 1966 looming large over them, a constant reminder of past glory that has yet to be replicated.

The chant "Football's coming home," echoing with a sense of destiny, now carries an increasingly ironic weight. I’ve always been mildly irritated by the song, its associated chants, and the sense of hubris it carries. It’s pretty much regarded as a joke with competing nations, increasingly mocking English fans, as each tournament passes. As one Danish fan remarked when being interviewed for TV: “Has it ever been home?” Well said. The joke is on us.

So, why do we fail to achieve so consistently?

Well, it's not a lack of skill and it’s not a lack of strategy – although admittedly the latter was a key reason why we failed to deliver this time round.?

The Psychology of Choking

I believe that England's frequent near misses in major tournaments can be attributed to psychological factors more than anything else. I think it’s a simple case of "choking" - the phenomenon of failing to perform to potential under immense pressure. This has plagued English teams repeatedly. In crucial moments, the weight of national expectation, the fear of failure, and the anxiety of making mistakes create a mental block that hampers performance.

Parking the Bus: The Role of Neuroscience and Hypnotherapy

Here’s my take on things, and I think this applies not just to football but any aspect of work where you are required to perform at the highest level.

To break free from this cycle of psychological self-sabotage, the English team could greatly benefit from the expertise of neuroscience professionals. Understanding the brain's response to pressure and stress can provide invaluable insights into how to cultivate mental resilience and peak performance under pressure.

Techniques such as mindfulness, visualization, and cognitive behavioural therapy can help players manage their emotions and maintain focus during high stakes matches.

Moreover, hypnotherapy could be a game-changer for the English team. Hypnotherapy has been shown to improve concentration, reduce anxiety, and boost confidence. Regular sessions before and during tournaments could help players enter a state of calm and heightened focus, allowing them to perform at their best regardless of external pressures. By rewiring their mental approach to the game, the team can build a foundation of psychological strength that complements their physical and tactical abilities.

A Path Forward

The English team has the talent, skill, and strategic acumen to compete at the highest level. What they need now is a comprehensive approach to mental training. Incorporating neuroscience and hypnotherapy into their preparation could be the key to overcoming the psychological barriers that have held them back for decades.

The art of losing, as painful as it has been, can teach valuable lessons. By addressing the mental aspects of the game, England can transform its approach and finally fulfil its promise of delivering some silverware. One day. Perhaps one day.

As I write this, Gareth Southgate has just tendered his resignation to the FA. No doubt, he is a decent man, a great man manager and has taken the English national side as far as he could have taken them. But he is not a winner, and a winner is what we need.

The FA – with its deep pockets, should take a long look in the mirror and appoint not only a manager who knows how to win things, but invest in professionals who can arm some incredibly talented individuals with the mental tools to be able to do so.

Because it’s not just about God-gifted talents and a great manager; it’s about mental preparedness and mental fortitude – something that winning national sides seem to have in spades and that we lack.

We may have a long time to wait.

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