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Another big difference about this tournament is the absence of any of the British national teams for the first time in a European Championship since 1984.
Then, the British media showed little interest as France, led by Michel Platini, won their first major tournament, but this time it is very different.
The British press is providing detailed coverage of Euro 2008, and although some of the stories centre on player transfers, a great deal of space has also been given to match reports, even where there is no Premier League interest.
The absence of the home nations also seems to have led people in Britain to forget about nationalism and just enjoy the football (which has of course been helped by the fact that the football has been of a very high standard).
I experienced the tension-free atmosphere of Euro 2008 at first hand when I went to a small Black Forest village called Badenweiler (not far from where England were based during the 2006 World Cup).
It was fascinating to monitor the nationalities clustered round the huge screen showing the matches every night.
The Germans dominated, but with Basel a short drive away, there were plenty of Swiss and with Alsace just across the border, there were a fair few France fans as well.
The various supporters sat side by side and there was no disguising their enjoyment of the games they were watching.
It was a far cry from the hype when England were in the neighbourhood two years ago and there was not a WAG to be seen.
Yes, it is a pity the UK is not represented at the European Championship, and our teams are being missed, but the tournament can teach us how to enjoy football without using it to parade the more unpleasant side of our patriotism.
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man was top scorer in italy last season!!
