A look back a couple of years now to an seemingly meaningless international friendly between two allies, England and the U-S of A. England friendlies had become relatively stale for as long as I can remember so why this one i'm sure you're all thinking....well a couple of things A) A trip to London and B) A brand spanking new national stadium to tick off the list.
Wembley is one place that I've always wanted to visit. My supported side Leicester City were more or less permanent residents at the famous twin towers during the back end of the 90's with four cup final appearances no less. Since those grand old days over a decade ago Wembley has been completely re-developed into a quite magnificent stadium that will host the 2011 UEFA Champions League final, holding around 90,000 supporters it dwarfs its rival stadia in Britain and comes second in the largest capacity stadia in Europe behind Barcelona's Camp Nou.
Catching the tube to Wembley Park station and exiting onto the famous Wembley walk you don't instantly feel the true spirit of English football at this stage as the area of Wembley itself is very run down and almost looks grey in colour across the landscape and after a few minutes strolling up the walk the huge arc above the stadium comes into view and there she is ladies and gentlemen, the true home of football.
Outside the ground amongst the programme sellers and merchandise hoarders stands proudly a statue of the late Bobby Moore, captain of English footballs finest hour, the World Cup win at this very stadium in 1966. This attraction proved popular on our visit with many stopping for a quick snap or two of this iconic figure.
Inside the stadium feels actually quite soulless, maybe as history is yet to be written amongst the walls of the new building as the smell of freshly laid bricks and plastic seating still hang in the air. I had to laugh at the 'Pie and a Pint 'deal'' that the stadium had on offer at £7.50. Mod£rn football is prominent in this area of the game with overpriced merchandise, programmes and even the match ticket for the friendly setting me back £50 this really was an eye opener and a stomach churner, still, I don't suppose the £900million construction costs will pay themselves.
Out onto the balcony in the seating area's the views around the stadium are faultless and although gigantic in stature the ground feels enclosed and when full, is capable of a quite brilliant atmosphere. Taking our seats amongst the crosses of St George the teams emerged for the anthems and the attendance appeared respectable for a friendly.
To the action and an assured England stroked the ball about like a team playing on a magic carpet, drools could be heard in the gaps between England's 'fan band' adjusting their song sheets every time Wayne Rooney found himself on the ball. The standout memory for me was the annoyance at the David Beckham 'Hollywood pass' if unfamiliar with this particular practice, or reading from abroad, let me enlighten you. Every now and again when Mr Beckham is on the ball with acres of space and numerous short options around him then it appears that he has promised a kid in the front row of the opposing stand a touch of the ball and subsequently launches a 40 yard pass in this lucky fellas direction, forgetting that there are 10 of his mates on the pitch who could have done with that very ball and could have done a lot better with it at that. Maybe its the done thing in the MLS?
Words about to be eaten, a Beckham special floated into the box and cue panic in the American penalty area as the lofty figure of John Terry headed home at the near post to put the three lions 1-0 up, having seen a goal at the national stadium took the sting off paying £50 for the privilege. Enter the second half and it was more of the same, Beckham looking pretty on the wing, England centre backs pulling up a deck chair each and having a chat such was the threat from the American strike force and Steven Gerrard pulling clear to slot home a second.
Having seen my first England win at the new stadium and had the 'New Wembley' experience, whats the verdict then? Well from the outset the stadium is magnificent and could well rival any in the world for its stature and symmetry. Sadly its one of those that will burn a hole in your pocket should you choose to not eat before you come or indeed drink. Give it a few cup finals and a resurgence of the national side (we can but dream) and i'm sure Wembley will become a ground to truly be proud of for the English.
The City...
London is one of the top cities in the world for tourism and attractions so it is no surprise that the City is well served by airports at Heathrow towards the south west, Gatwick towards the south east, London City and from a little further afield London Luton and Stansted. Travel in London is efficient and quick via the tube network, tickets for the tube can be purchased from the booths or machines at Underground stations or main train stations such as Kings Cross or Victoria. A day ticket for the main zones 1-3 will cost around £5 with the outer zones (of which Wembley stadium is situated) will be around £2 more for the day ticket.
What to do/eat/drink....
London is awash with tourist activities, the tower of London and London dungeons are well worth checking out along with Madame Tussauds. Sights such as Big Ben and the London eye are accessible from Westminster and if its retail therapy you're after head for the Westfield shopping centre at White city or Oxford Circus. London boasts Michelin star restaurants of varied cuisine, from Gordon Ramsay's Royal Hospital Road restaurant in Chelsea to The Ivy at Leicester square, if on a budget check out Chinatown in Covent Garden for reasonably priced buffets and pizzeria's close by. For pubs and clubs check out hip area Camden town.
How to get to the stadium...
Wembley stadium is situated on the metropolitan line in Zone 4 of the London underground which is probably the best way to reach the stadium given the congestion on the roads in general around London and even more so after matches. It took no time at all on my visit dispersing the crowds from the stadium as the local constabulary are well drilled at this down Wembley way but it is worth noting that you may want to allow extra time to get home due to the congestion at Wembley Park station.
Getting a ticket...
With the national side going through a difficult period after a poor showing in South Africa tickets are generally not too difficult to come by, those exceptions are against other sides from the UK such as Scotland and Wales and the big nationals. You must register as an England Fan also via the FA website at http://www.thefa.com/ before purchasing tickets. For cup finals the only real way to purchase tickets is via the respective sides official websites as the middle ring of the Wembley stadium is taken by 'Club Wembley' season ticket holders although enquiries can prove fruitful if these seats are put up as spare by the ticket holders via Wembley stadiums official website. Tickets range in price depending on the occasion.
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