England is the country in which football appeared. A game that captures the minds and hearts of millions of fans around the world. It is no coincidence that English football clubs remain one of the strongest in Europe. Many of them have already celebrated their centenary, without ceasing to please their fans.
At the source
Many modern scholars claim that football-like games were still in ancient China and among the Inca tribes. However, more reliable information still sends us to medieval England. Football then, of course, was very different from the present: there were no uniform rules, games were organized spontaneously and often grew into fights. It got to the point that King Edward III even tried to ban matches, calling football more dangerous and useless entertainment than archery.
In the 19th century, the situation radically changed. At first it was possible to play with both hands and feet. Klyuchevskaya date - 1863, when the first set of rules was adopted for the first time. There was a split among football fans. The most important was the decision to prohibit playing with hands. Some agreed with this, others became the founders of rugby.
First championship
The English Football League is the oldest in the world. It was founded in 1888. In the first season 12 teams took part, the competitions were held in two circles. The champion was the Preston North End Club, now playing in the Football League Championship (the second most important tournament).
Only 4 teams are the participants of the first championship, who will play in the Premier League this year. These are West Bromwich Albion, Everton, Burnley and Stoke City. It is worth noting that the name of English football clubs does not change as often as it often happens with us. Most groups are called the same as 100 years ago.
The oldest tournament in the world
Nevertheless, the very first tournament in the history of football was not the championship, but the FA Cup. His first draw took place in the 1871/72 season. Initially, 15 teams entered the draw, but 3 of them subsequently withdrew.
The final took place
in London at the Kennington Oval Stadium. In the decisive match, the Wanderers (a team from London who did not survive to this day) and the Royal Engines, consisting of the Royal Engineers of the British Army, met. 2 thousand spectators watched the final of the first tournament in the history of football. The outcome of the confrontation was decided by the only goal of Morton Betts in the 15th minute, who brought the trophy to the metropolitan club.
An interesting fact: as a defender, Betts spent the only match for England as a goalkeeper. In 1877, the meeting with the Scots ended in failure - 1: 3, as did Betts’s career in the national team.
Marks of Excellence
Unlike the names, which remained unchanged, the emblems of English football clubs were subject to change. In this case, the basic elements, as a rule, were preserved. For example, a canary on the Norwich logo or a rooster on the Tottenham coat of arms.
Fans attach great importance to symbolism. Team nicknames are most often associated with animals or objects depicted on emblems. Logos of English football clubs are very diverse. It is important for them to have a motto. At the same Tottenham Hotspur, he says: "To decide is to do." To do their job, that is, to become champions, “spurs” have so far managed only twice. And the last time - already in the distant 1961.
Champions
The most titled club in England today remains Manchester United. They won the first title back in 1908, and the last in 2013. Throughout its history, the team became the winner of the championship of England 20 times and won silver medals another 15 times.
English football clubs, which managed to get the main trophy, enter the hall of fame of the "most football" country in Europe. There are 24 such teams in total. Among them are those who are leaders today not only in national but also in European football, and those who have long played in the lower leagues.
If you count in which city the winners most often brought the coveted trophy, then Liverpool will be the undisputed leader. The team of the same name with Everton became champions 27 times. And Manchester United and Manchester City have only 24 titles for two.
New story
Since 1992, English football has opened a new page in its history. From now on, the best English football clubs are in the Premier League. It is played by 20 teams. By right, this tournament is considered the most popular and profitable sports championship in the world.
There were many prerequisites for its appearance. The main one is financial. Its founders decided to leave the world's oldest football league in order to make big profits, primarily through the sale of broadcast rights.
In the first season of 1992/93, 22 teams took part in the tournament. The champion with great advantage was Manchester United, ahead of Birmingham Aston Villa by 10 points at once. That season abounded with big names. The Welshman Ryan Giggs was recognized as the opening of the season , Teddy Sheringham became the top scorer , upsetting his opponents 22 times. Eric Cantona (then still in the Leeds team) shone on the field.
As many experts note, the football clubs of the English Premier League strongly distanced themselves from teams from other divisions. This is noticeable both in terms of game level and income. At the same time, they are dissatisfied with such successes not only at home, but also far beyond its borders. So, it was recently stated that the popularity of English football negatively affects the interest in the national championship. When playing English football clubs, the attendance of matches of local teams decreases, and talented players only dream of getting to Misty Albion.
New champion
The last season of the English Premier League presented an incredible surprise. The trophy went to the modest Leicester team, which had never before won gold medals in the championship.
Leicester is one of the oldest English clubs, founded back in 1884. However, for more than a century, the main achievement before this season was silver medals back in 1929. Then the “foxes” (as the fans call the team) took second place, losing just one point to “Wensday” from Sheffield. Few people remember this team now, many other English football clubs suffered a similar fate. The list of achievements of “Leicester” really opened only last season.
In the 2015/16 season, “Leicester” from the first rounds located in the group of leaders, but for a long time was not perceived as a real contender for the title. For some time, “Leicester” managed to lead, losing first place first to “Manchester City”, and then to London “Arsenal”. However, after winning the 23rd round, the “foxes” again headed the standings and did not give anyone the first line until the very end. The season ended with really amazing performance, losing only 3 matches out of 38, and this is in one of the strongest leagues in the world.