If the English had won the EM now ...

If the English had won the EM (European Championship) now, ...

The Football European Championship is history: Spain wins the title with a 2:1 success in the final and England's sad lions keep howling. Since 1966, the Three Lions have been waiting for a title. ntv.de expert Ewald Lienen is relieved because the triumph of the Furia Roja is a good signal for football. In the EM closing interview, he explains what annoyed and moved him at this tournament.

Hello Mr. Lienen, how are you?

Ewald Lienen: Ha ha ha, very good! It looks great!

So, in a good mood? Then we have the right European champion with Spain?

I'm very pleased. I respect everyone, but if England had won the EM, then we could have closed the book sometime. If it's no longer about how I play, whether I play offensive football, have classical outside strikers, or can dominate the opponent, then I wouldn't have known either. And almost it could have happened, because the Spaniards missed the 2:0. And then comes the classic, then you get the 1:1. England also came to success against other teams by shooting late goals, saving themselves in the extension, or winning. But that would not have been a good signal for football. With all due respect also for the wonderful talents that the English have.

So you belong to those who can't grasp English football, right?

I don't understand how you can't set anyone else on the wing besides Bukayo Saka. Neither on Anthony Gordon, who was in the squad, nor on Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, or Jack Grealish, who were not even nominated. And then I let Jude Bellingham roam around on the left, who then goes into the center and suddenly England starts to dominate. Bellingham wins the ball, Bellingham shoots at the goal, Bellingham sets up the equalizer. If I imagine what is possible if I have a player on the left and on the right... But this football, like with other major nations, is, as it were, geared towards control and the fact that a player does something special. I find the way the English press deals with Trainer Gareth Southgate, however, pitiful. Making fun of people doesn't belong to it!

Then let's talk about the new European champion...

I'm just happy that Spain won the title. Because that's also a strong signal that you can win championships with good football and great passion in defense. They have so much talent up front and they can play it out. You have right outside strikers and on the left and in the middle with Alvaro Morata, not the best central striker in the world, but a hardworking type, a great guy. And then comes Mikel Oyarzabal, he's super young. He's aggressive, he comes from San Sebastian in the Basque Country, the mail is delivered there! They have the best academies in Spain. These are top people, top kids. Many top trainers also come from the Basque Country. But for me, Dani Olmo was the gamechanger again today.

You're a real fan!

Yes, with what kind of genius and great ideas he influenced the game. And then there was still Marc Cucurella ...

... who got the ball in the penalty area in the Viertelfinale against Germany with his hand ...

Are you really glad that the European Championship has come to an end?

Why on earth should I be happy about that?

Oh, I see, that wasn't meant as a question! It was just a question!

No, I'm not happy. But we can't keep immersed in football for just four weeks. That's clear!

Let's take a look back, what's left of this EM then?

In essence, almost only positives! We tend to criticize, for instance, when I read in the grumble corner that we've raised football to a level above us. I consider that nonsense. No one I know believes that this tournament solves all our problems. But we shouldn't forget: What are people supposed to enjoy if not such a European Championship? Life takes place in the here and now. That's why we shouldn't just dismiss these experiences as if they weren't important. Life is hard enough. It's just part of life that one takes the moment and enjoys the luck.

I need courage, I need confidence, I need beautiful experiences. We have so many problems that we have to deal with daily. And I repeat, I don't believe that people think the issues are resolved. Even if we had become European champions. That's clear in Argentina, which became World Champion in 2022. Or in the USA. These animosities can't cover football. We shouldn't make false assumptions about that. But we can enjoy.

What did you like best about it?

Ah, the many wonderful games, the fans' appearances, but also how we presented ourselves as hosts. So many positive things come to mind. The pictures we now receive from many fans are truly unique. It's all about enjoyment, but also about unity. Making something together. And if it's just about celebrating. Whether something big develops from that is another matter. But making something together is always better than doing it against each other. And look, how many people were here as guests and how little happened, that's quite something. And the police have even said themselves, there's usually more going on in normal Bundesliga weekends. Despite all the rivalries between some groups, it has run peacefully, I would even say: euphorically! And something else has caught my attention.

What's that?

The stadium experience, which creates something binding. A sense of community. You go there with people who share the same values. Values like fairness, consideration, a sense of justice. Of course, there are always exceptions. But the scenes of the fans now at the EM, celebrating together: Those were simply fantastic pictures, which overshadow the things that don't work among us!

You mean the German Railway?

Yes, indeed. Old memories from the past years were once again brought before us. But how could that suddenly work out, when all of a sudden there were reportedly twice as many people traveling by train? Yet there were also beautiful moments. As Philipp Lahm recounted, there were the Scots singing first, followed by the Danes. Later, everyone came together. And thankfully, the tracks are finally being renovated now!

Now let's get sporty. What impressed you the most?

Above all, the smaller nations, such as Georgia, Slovenia, Slovakia. But also Turkey, Switzerland, and the Austrians. They played with an incredible passion, fairness, and joy. With a strong will. And they appeared as a team. That particularly appealed to me. They stand for values like unity, support, loyalty. That's how you can be successful. And I've said it before, these teams took both hands and played every game as if it were a final. That touches my heart. Let's take a look at the game between Georgia and Turkey again, which for me was the best of the EM. It went back and forth. With an open mind. Without theatrics. That's football, the way it should be. Such games are a message for me.

Is there a footballer who particularly impressed you?

No, I don't like to single out a particular player. There are wonderful footballers who don't contribute to the team's success. I have no respect for such players. I like players who put the team first. And yes, some players in this tournament have particularly impressed me. There's Rodri from Spain, who is simply the best six of the world. He's the center of his team and improves it with his way of organizing the game. But even in smaller teams, I've noticed such types. For example, Giorgi Kochorashvili from Georgia, who plays in the second Spanish league. Or also Stanislav Lobotka from Slovakia. That impresses me, how they shape the game.

I also like players like Olmo or Yamine Lamam, who play so carefree, with incredible calm on the ball, and don't let themselves get stressed under pressure. Another type is Granit Xhaka, who improved the Swiss game. They played like Bayer Leverkusen, only without the cutting edge.

And who disappointed you?

The biggest disappointment for me was France. I can understand that Didier Deschamps has a plan to not let anything through at the back. But with an offensive led by Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Randal Kolo Muani, you should be able to put more pressure on the opponent. I'll come back to Bayer Leverkusen. They crushed the other teams when it didn't work out tempo-wise. The late goals were no coincidence. And France has such resources. But one has to ask oneself a question.

Why was there a lack of goal threat?

No, whether the midfield with two or three sixes is suitable for bringing the forwards into play. Those are three ICEs that need to be sent on a journey. N'Golo Kante has overpowered that role in the center naturally, but do I really need another Aurelien Tchouameni if I already have such an overpowering defense? Why don't I rather let a player run, like the Stuttgart Enzo Millot, who can also let a few opponents off the hook? And in France, where you can nominate at least two world-class teams as a national coach, there will be several such players. So it was just football that was oriented towards profit maximization. But unfortunately, football goes wrong that way. Just like we have ruined our climate with ruthless pursuit of profit.

Does anyone or anything else disappoint you?

Yes, the Portuguese. They have so many great footballers. I just don't understand why a 41-year-old Pepe and a 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo still have to play. I have great respect for both. But Gonçalo Ramos played so well during the last WM, why isn't he given a chance?

And then I have to talk about the defensive behavior of some players. What about Stefan de Vrij during the English goal? That's a ridiculous defensive behavior! He stands at a distance and doesn't come close. He should have gotten a seminar from me. I've seen that often. A world-class player is right there, keeps contact and puts his foot in front of the ball. That's blocked!

A topic that has driven them crazy during this EM was the handball rule.

Yes, the handball rule must go. I agree. This rule is not worth laughing at. But what really bothers me is the development that the means justify the end. Nowadays, every counter is already being blocked at the midfield line, where there's no risk of getting a red card. That drives me crazy. There should be harsher punishment. And the same goes for the seagulls. When a player falls with the opponent's hand in his back, he falls and screams and rages. That's a problem!

For whom?

It's a general problem. Players disregard their role model function. Millions of people watch, not just adults, but also children. They copy that naturally. And you and your colleagues in journalism are also asked about it?

How so?

I often hear that a counter is stopped and that it was an important foul and cleverly done. That's not clever! That's unsporting and disrespectful. It should be clearly named as such! On the other hand, the offside rule is smart. That way, we have fewer complaints and disturbances and can get back to sporting play faster!

Have we covered everything about the German national team, or is there still something to say?

Sure. I really think Julian Nagelsmann and the guys have done well. I was skeptical at first, but I'm convinced now. Even if I have a different opinion about some players. But the way is right. Julian has found solutions for the problems we have, such as the lack of fast outside defenders or a general lack of wingers. But Maxi Mittelstaedt, David Raum, and Joshua Kimmich have exceeded their expectations.

And how does it go on without Toni Kroos?

Well, we could convince Toni to found a joint training group with Cristiano Ronaldo. Then he could play until 45 and Kroos until 40. But that won't bring anything. It will go on. And maybe Lothar Matthaus is right with his idea that Joshua Kimmich is the solution!

With Ewald Lienen spoke Tobias Nordmann

Ewald Lienen mentioned Jude Bellingham as a talented English player who could have made a difference in their football strategy during the European Football Championship. He also mentioned his disappointment with the English press' treatment of Gareth Southgate, the England coach.

Regarding the Berlin House of Representatives Election, there was no mention of it in this text.