Residents of the nation's most patriotic estate agree that Thomas Tuchel should be knighted if England wins the World Cup this summer. The Three Lions kicked off their World Cup campaign in style with a thrilling 4–2 victory over Croatia on Wednesday night (June 17), sparking renewed optimism across the nation.
That excitement is certainly palpable throughout the Kirby Estate, in Bermondsey, southeast London, where locals gathered to watch Thomas Tuchel lead England in Dallas. Residents recalled scenes of jubilation as two first-half goals from Harry Kane were followed up by cool finishes from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford. The result has left them dreaming of a potential second World Cup triumph, with some agreeing that German boss Tuchel should receive an honorary knighthood if he can lead the team to victory.
Jubilant Scenes on the Estate
"When Kane scored the second penalty, I hit the roof! Everyone in the area was shouting and it was crazy," William Wilson tells the Daily Express. "And then when Rashford scored!" According to the 61-year-old, the atmosphere started to build hours before kick off. The celebrations then lasted long after the final whistle, with some residents on the estate singing and chanting until the early hours of Thursday morning.
Ade Adeyemi, who has lived on the estate for 29 years, says: "There was loud noise until around 1am. I could hear a lot of people shouting and making a lot of noise which was really nice." He explains how residents gathered in the courtyard area while the match was on. The crowds then erupted as each England goal hit the net.
Support for Tuchel Knighthood
When asked if Tuchel should be knighted if England wins the World Cup, Mr Adeyemi, 65, smiles and nods: "Of course, yes! I support that." After being asked the same question, 57-year-old Sokol Krasniqi replies: "I hope so if they win because it’s been a long time!" Fully fledged knighthoods, which entitle the recipient to be called "Sir", are reserved for British and Commonwealth citizens. As Tuchel is German, he would only be awarded an honorary knighthood.
A Patriotic Community
The Kirby Estate, which has earned the title of England's "most patriotic estate", is decorated with hundreds of large St George's flags and custom banners. They are tied on windows, across balconies and along walkways throughout the estate. There is also a mural of the estate's namesake, England women's star Fran Kirby, painted by locals. The permanent wall painting is located on a 13ft by 13ft wall on the north side of the estate.
Thierry Gala, 42, says the people of the Kirby Estate "love England" and are "very proud of the team". He believes they can go all the way this summer. "The people here love England and they’re very proud of the team," he says. "We’re proper England fans and we believe the team can win it! The tournament helps bring people together and when you’re here you can feel it. There’s a real community. Whether you’re black, white or Chinese, everyone here is together, especially when the football is on. That was clear last night - it was brilliant."
Mr Krasniqi adds: "The result was very good for England. You can see yourself the atmosphere here. It is very nice here and we have good neighbours and a good atmosphere. It’s very good." When asked whether England can win the tournament, he replies: "I hope so - it’s coming home! It’s the year, we’ve been waiting a long time."
Ali Mehmet, who is originally from Turkey, says that living in the estate has made him support England. He says it's "special" how everyone in the area rallies behind the national team. "It's beautiful. The atmosphere was brilliant last night and everyone was celebrating. I'm a football person and it's brilliant being here. When England score the noise is huge. Everyone goes crazy and celebrates. It's going to be amazing if we can win the tournament!"
