PUBLISHED 2003

Jules Rimet Still Gleaming?: England at the World Cup

£5.20

There's something bittersweet about English football history—a single moment of glory in 1966, surrounded by decades of what-ifs and if-onlys. Ken Jones captures this peculiar mix of triumph and tragedy in his meticulous examination of England's World Cup journey, "Jules Rimet Still Gleaming?"
The title itself is a pointed question, referencing the famous line from "Three Lions" while hinting at the broader narrative of English football: a story of faded glory and persistent hope. Jones, drawing from his experience covering ten World Cup finals, weaves together firsthand accounts from football legends with his own seasoned observations to create a compelling chronicle of England's complicated relationship with football's greatest tournament.
What sets this book apart is its impressive roster of voices. Through conversations with players spanning different eras—from Tom Finney to Terry Butcher—Jones constructs a living history that feels both intimate and comprehensive. The inclusion of Eddie Baily's insights from the early post-war period alongside Terry Fenwick's more recent experiences creates a fascinating through-line in English football's evolution.
Despite being considered one of the sport's major powers, England's World Cup record is remarkably poor, a truth Jones doesn't shy away from. The contrast he draws with Germany and Italy (each with three World Cup victories) serves to highlight England's underperformance on the global stage. Particularly striking is his analysis of the 12-year qualification drought between 1970 and 1982—a period that forced English football to confront its own limitations.
The author's journalistic background shines through in his ability to balance historical detail with engaging storytelling. Rather than merely recounting matches and scores, he delves into the cultural and tactical factors that have influenced England's performances. His analysis of the 1990 semi-final run under Bobby Robson is especially nuanced, capturing both the euphoria and the heartbreak of that campaign.
Where the book truly excels is in its exploration of the cyclical nature of English football culture. Jones masterfully documents how the pattern of "frustration and blind optimism" repeats every four years, creating what he presents as an almost theatrical tradition of hope and disappointment. This psychological aspect of English football fandom is perhaps the book's most fascinating contribution to sports literature.
However, readers seeking simple nostalgia or uncritical celebration of English football will find this book challenging. Jones's approach is unflinching, particularly when addressing the tactical and administrative shortcomings that have contributed to England's World Cup struggles. His analysis of failed qualification campaigns is especially pointed, highlighting systemic issues that persisted across decades.
The book's structure, following England's World Cup campaigns chronologically, could risk becoming repetitive, but Jones avoids this trap by focusing on the unique character of each tournament and the changing face of international football. His firsthand experience reporting from ten World Cups adds invaluable context to these shifting dynamics.
"Jules Rimet Still Gleaming?" is more than just a sports book—it's a study in national identity and the weight of expectations. Jones has produced a work that will resonate with anyone interested in how sporting heritage shapes national consciousness. While the focus is squarely on England's World Cup story, the themes of hope, disappointment, and persistent belief in the face of evidence speak to universal human experiences.
For football historians, this book is essential reading. For England fans, it might be therapeutic. And for everyone else, it's a fascinating look at how one nation's sporting ambitions have repeatedly collided with reality, creating a unique cultural narrative that continues to evolve with each World Cup cycle.
This meticulously researched and elegantly written account of England's World Cup history serves as both a valuable historical document and a compelling narrative of national sporting identity. While it might occasionally dwell too long on certain periods, the wealth of firsthand accounts and expert analysis makes it an invaluable addition to any serious football library.
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ROYAL MAIL 2ND CLASS
Publisher: VisitNAME
Published: 1996
Price: £0.99
Hardcover: 290 pages
Lavishly illustrated
Postal Weight: 850g