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The Detroit Lions and the Three Lions: Drawing inspiration

By Payne Schanski

VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 18: Harry Kane of England celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Tunisia and England at Volgograd Arena on June 18, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 18: Harry Kane of England celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Tunisia and England at Volgograd Arena on June 18, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images
Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images /

Different Prides, Same Den

50+ year championship drought

  • Detroit last won the NFL Championship in 1957
  • England last won a major tournament in 1966

Success of neighboring rivals

  • England soccer legend Gary Lineker dryly summed up the England-Germany rivalry as follows: “Football is a simple game. 22 men chase a ball around for 90 minutes, and at the end, the Germans win.”
  • Much as it pains me to say it, a similar sentiment rings true in the NFC North. 22 men chase a ball around for 60 minutes, and at the end, the Packers win.
  • In the Super Bowl era, the Packers have been perennial contenders, winning four titles and reaching a 5th. The Bears won Super Bowl XX and made it again in 2007. While the Vikings haven’t yet won a Super Bowl, they’ve made four appearances of their own.
  • Since England’s last victory in a major tournament, they’ve watched Germany win three World Cups and finish runner-up three more times. France were champions in ’98 and reached the final again in 2006.  While their neighbors in the Netherlands haven’t yet won a World Cup, they’ve made three finals appearances of their own.

Last time they got this far…

1990 World Cup- The Three Lions had a strong run that ended one game short of the World Cup final. It was their best result since winning it all in 1966, and the farthest they would go until this year.

1991 NFL season- The Lions had a strong run that ended one game short of the Super Bowl. Was their best result since winning it all in 1957, and remains the farthest they’ve gone in my lifetime.

Coaching carousel

  • Detroit- Now on their 10th head coach in just over 20 years.
  • England- Currently on their 11th manager in the same amount of time.
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