The Detroit Lions and the Three Lions: Drawing inspiration

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Mandatory Credit: Al Bello
Mandatory Credit: Al Bello /

Reversing the Curse

It’s been said that a person often meet’s his destiny on the very road he took to avoid it.

More from SideLion Report

If there was one singular thing that England was hoping to avoid against Colombia, it was yet another game to be decided by penalty kicks.

Colombia’s game-tying goal from a corner kick deep into stoppage time was a true “ye same olde Lions” moment, as yet another dreaded shootout loomed. Even more so when Jordan Henderson’s shot was saved to fall behind midway through the shootout.

However, a shot off the bar and a spectacular save from Pickford put England once again in position to exorcise the demons of so many squads before them. This time, it was a new spirit emerging victorious.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Eric Bier’s final penalty kick against Colombia on Friday was probably the single most important moment in England’s sporting culture of at least the last 40 years. It was a rare instance where an entire country’s national sporting psyche is on the line and on full display.

To break The Curse of the Bambino, it seemed fitting that the Red Sox overcame the most psychologically daunting challenge that the baseball gods could dream up. Down three games to none against their tormentors, the Yankees. Almost like it needed to happen that way. In that same vein, it’s only fitting that England once again had to face their past failings. It had to come down to penalties.

With that in mind, I’ll turn my attention back to the Honolulu Blue.

Next: Detroit Lions 15 best first-round draft picks of all-time

When the Lions finally win another playoff game on the road, doesn’t it need to be at Lambeau Field? If England’s Three Lions have finally seen their time come, perhaps that time can also come for the Lions of Detroit in 2018.

Or 2019, or 2020, etc.

Wait and hope.