If you can overlook the growing number of forgettable matches, there is joy everywhere at this European Championship. After the reduced crowds (because of Covid) for the Continent-straddling 2021 edition, and the reduced crowds (because of Qatar) at the 2022 World Cup, it is glorious to be at a tournament which is both well attended and taking place without serious logistical or governmental restrictions.

It is easy to become jaded with domestic football, especially at the top level, but seeing how easily supporters have mingled with one another is faith-restoring stuff. The support they give their team varies slightly. Some are big on the rhythmic clapping, some go in for the singing of repurposed pop songs, while those from Eastern Europe love nothing more than jumping up and down together in unison.

There are no losers when football fans come together at an event like this. Unfortunately in the business of putting things into order there has to be a loser. 

Telegraph underscores the huge and ferocious backing of the Albanian Diaspora.

“Albania, a nation whose diaspora significantly outnumbers its native population, which has meant huge and ferocious backing. Traditional white felt hat, the qeleshe, has been worn with pride and Nedim Bajrami’s quickest goal in Euros history gave them a moment to treasure forever.  Also prolific smokers and world class in the crucial European football discipline of driving around town centres while trailing a flag and tooting a car horn,” writes Telegraph.