There’s a certain barber in Steveston who might, just might, be taking the day off on Sunday.
For those unaware, there is a major, international soccer tournament coming to its climax in Europe – the postponed Euro 2020 – and Iain MacKelworth’s beloved England is in the final on Sunday and on home soil in London.
The Steveston Barbers’ owner is well known for his passion for all things England and football, and he’d just about peeled himself off his Chatham Street shop ceiling following his country’s dramatic 2-1 extra-time win over Denmark on Wednesday by the time the News caught up with him Thursday.
And it came as no surprise to hear the excitement in his tone, given his nation’s claim to having invented the game and not having made it to a major final since it won the World Cup as hosts in 1966.
“I’m just super-duper,” said a rather chuffed MacKelworth.
“It was a stellar game of football yesterday; I thought both teams showed how desperate they were to win it. They both wanted it so badly.”
MacKelworth said he, like many football fans around the world, had a soft spot for Denmark, given the dramatic scenes in one of the tournament’s opening games, when that country’s star player, Christian Eriksen, collapsed with a heart attack.
“Your heart goes out to Denmark because of what happened to (Eriksen). They had that little bit of sports magic that you can’t put in a bottle,” he added.
“I knew they would be a tough nut to crack and so it proved.”
Just as tough a hurdle to overcome was the fact MacKelworth had to work right through Wednesday’s nail-biting semi-final.
“I watched it in the shop. I was giving customers the warning that there might be a lot of celebrating or colourful wording,” he said.
However, he swears no customer left with a Mohican or buzz cut they didn’t ask for.
“It was really tough to work and watch; the intensity was incredible,” said MacKelworth.
“I think I screamed at the top of my lungs when the penalty was awarded. I’m anti-penalties as it happens but you have to take it I guess.”
As for Davood Khatami - MacKelworth’s fellow Steveston business owner and staunch supporter of England’s arch rivals Germany, who England knocked out earlier - the barber said things have gone a little quiet around the corner at the bistro on No. 1 Road and Moncton Street.
“He’s very quiet,” laughed MacKelworth. “I went by there and you could hear a pin drop.”
Still, Khatami being the gracious host that he is, the English entourage, including MacKelworth, will be piling into Davood’s bistro early Sunday for the big game.
“One hundred per cent I’m going (to Davood’s),” he said.
“I’ll be going nice and early, get a gin & tonic, get pole position, settle the nerves and then game on. Bacon and egg sandwiches all round.”
As for a potentially historic win for England over Italy, MacKelworth is non-committal, despite his team playing at its Wembley home.
“It’s going to be a tough one,” he admitted.
“When (Italy are) playing well, they’re lovely to watch, but the minute they get into trouble and get caught behind the eight-ball, they can get a bit theatrical.
“I’ve seen many tournaments when they do that. I hope it’s a good honest game with no nonsense.
“I can’t say who’s going to win. It’s going to come down to sheer determination.”
