{"product_id":"book-g1aq","title":"England Football: The Biography","description":"\u003cb\u003eLONGLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR PRIZE\u003cbr\u003e ‘The greatest story in English sport told beautifully by one of its greatest writers’ \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eGary Lineker\u003cbr\u003e 'A spellbinding piece of work' Oliver Holt; 'Absolute tour de force' Henry Winter\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAward-winning writer Paul Hayward delivers a compelling and unmissable account of the story of the England men's football team, published as they prepare for the World Cup in Qatar. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e On 30 November 1872, England took on Scotland at Hamilton Crescent in Glasgow, a match that is regarded as the first international fixture. More than 5,000 fans watched the two sides play out a 0-0 draw. It was the first of more than a thousand games played by the side, and the beginning of a national love affair that unites the country in a way that few other events can match.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In Hayward's brilliant new biography of the team, based on interviews with dozens of past and present players and coaches, including \u003cb\u003eViv Anderson, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer\u003c\/b\u003e and current coach \u003cb\u003eGareth Southgate\u003c\/b\u003e, we get a vivid portrait of all aspects of the team's story, reliving highlights such as the \u003cb\u003eWorld Cup victory\u003c\/b\u003e in 1966 and the time when football came home in Euro 96, as well as the low points when the players were obliged to give the Nazi salute in 1938 and the era when England's hooligan fans brought shame on the nation. From \u003cb\u003eStanley Matthews and Bobby Moore\u003c\/b\u003e through to more modern heroes such as \u003cb\u003ePaul Gascoigne, David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane\u003c\/b\u003e, Hayward brings a large cast of characters to life.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFor anyone who wants to understand England football, and why it means so much to so many, \u003ci\u003eEngland Football: The Biography\u003c\/i\u003e is an essential and vital read.\u003c\/b\u003e","brand":"Simon \u0026 Schuster Audio","offers":[{"title":"Audiobook","offer_id":49346674491696,"sku":"BDg1aq","price":31.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0879\/2784\/9264\/files\/504579-g1aq-Square.jpg?v=1734170399","url":"https:\/\/downpour.com\/products\/book-g1aq","provider":"Downpour","version":"1.0","type":"link"}