Great Team Work is a Win

The nation is gripped by disappointment after Italy defeated England on penalties to win the Euro 2020. While this is understandable, we must remember what Lionel Andrés Messi, Argentine professional footballer said: ‘‘There are more important things in life than winning or losing a game.’’

Besides, it is not all bad news. I am anything but a football fan, but the enthusiasm, the passion and the solidarity behind the England team was unmistakable and catching. I was hooked like everyone else. On display by both teams at different points was solidarity, teamwork, stamina, endurance, not to mention the skills and talents displayed on the football pitch.

As each team member played their part, I was reminded of the verse in 1 Corinthians 12:12: "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ."

Effective teamwork is crucial to any successful endeavour. Everyone must understand their role within the team and work hard to hone and perfect their skills, so they can make a useful contribution. No one person must consider him or herself more important than the others, because each person brings a different skill and knowledge to the table. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘’I don’t need you!’’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘’I don’t need you!’’ (1 Corinthians 12:21). It is about unity and diversity working together to achieve a common goal.

England may not have won Euro 2020, but let’s all take what is great from the experience. The late American football coach and executive, Vincent Lombardi, noted that: “The real glory is being knocked to your knees and then coming back. That’s real glory. That’s the essence of it.’’

Hopefully, it will come home one day!