Could Football Finally Be Coming Home?

July 8th, 2021

There’s more chance now than at any other point during our 55 years of hurt. Wednesday night’s victory over Denmark saw England reach their first major footballing final since 1966.

It was a tense game and England fell behind to a stunning Denmark free kick. In previous years England would have crumbled going a goal behind in such a big game, but Gareth Southgate’s team rallied and got back in to the game when a Bakuyo Saka cross forced an own goal and levelled the scores.

While it was a tense game England actually dominated possession and made the better chances. It was only the inspired form of Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel that took the game to extra time. That said at the other end Jordan Pickford did make a couple of good saves to keep the Danes at bay.

With the game now in extra time England won a penalty through the impressive Raheem Sterling who has been one of the players of the tournament. How much of a penalty it was depends on if you are English or not, but after a VAR check the spot kick was awarded.

Captain Harry Kane stepped up, and unlike him he missed, the penalty saved by the excellent Schmeichel. Luckily Kane reacted quickest to the rebound and tucked away what turned out to be the winner.

Denmark can consider themselves unfortunate and can hold their heads high. The tournament started in horrible fashion for them with Christian Eriksen collapsing in their opening game against Finland. Since then they did their team mate and their country proud by reaching the semi-final, their biggest achievement since winning the European Championship as a wildcard entry in 1992.

Gareth Southgate had previously matched the best performance of an England team in a tournament since the 1966 World Cup win by reaching the semi final of the 2018 World Cup in Russia but has now gone one better.

He has done this by fostering a good atmosphere amongst the players, and between the players, fans and media, something supposed better managers with better players at their disposal could not do.

Southgate also has a game plan. He doesn’t pander to egos or shoehorn in the big names out of position just to accommodate them. Many good players are finding themselves on the bench and they’re happy with that. Crucially he has built the best defence in the tournament, conceding just one goal in six matches, and that was a goal of the tournament contender.

On to Italy now who will definitely be England’s toughest test so far. They saw off Spain in a semi-final penalty shootout on Tuesday and are currently unbeaten in 33 games. Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, like Southgate, has built a solid defence and has some exciting attacking talent at his disposal.

If England don’t win on Sunday night there is still plenty to be proud of. England are progressing nicely with a World Cup semi-final, Nations League semi-final and European Championship final to their name in the last 4 years and we will be nicely set up for next year’s World Cup in Qatar.

And if we do win football will have finally come home.

What our guests say

  • A lovely quiet site

    Andy Blackwell

    A lovely quiet site, nice warm amenities with good sized shower cubicles, shop not open yet as it’s too early but the local pub is ideal. Staff were very friendly and helpful. If you’re reasonably fit you can walk into Swanage but the bus service is great so why would you want to. Overall a very nice break, we will be back.

  • Super swimming pool

    Joseph Molford

    Fantastic site, we have had a brilliant holiday. Super swimming pool and changing facilities. Site really handy to get to Swanage and Studland. Will definitely return. Thanks to all the staff for a lovely holiday.

  • Excellent quality caravan site

    Peter Skrobacz

    Excellent quality caravan site, top quality, small and friendly, location fantastic. Been visiting Ulwell for over 25 years now and every year is special.

  • An amazing week at Ulwell

    Jenny H

    We have just returned back from our weeks stay at Ulwell Holiday Park with our 2 small children and dog. It was an absolute brilliant week! The site has everything you need, and more! A lovely comfy pub on site for drinks and a bowl of chips, a small shop, swimming pool, large play are with park, and the bus stops right outside.. what more could you want

  • Easter break

    Mit

    We have just returned after a brilliant Easter break. Couldn’t fault anything at all and we didn’t want to leave. We didn’t visit the pub but the shop is stocked with local produce and essentials. The facilities are great and the location convenient. Our van was spotless and had everything we needed. We will definitely be back

All reviews

4.5

We are currently at an amazing 4.5 score at TripAdvisor, based upon 200+ reviews from verified guests.

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Proudly associated

Over the years the family has developed the park to award-winning standards and in a style which compliments its surroundings.

  • Camping and caravanning
  • British Holiday & Home Parks assocation
  • Poole Tourism
  • Visit Britain
  • ulwell holiday park 5 star rating
  • premier parks 2025

Finding us

BY ROAD

From Bournemouth via the Sandbanks chain ferry and following the B3351 into Swanage.

From Wareham using the A351 into Swanage, turn left along the seafront towards Studland.

BY BUS

The park is situated on the main bus route from Bournemouth to Swanage.

GPS

1 ° 58’ 16” West, 50° 37’ 34” North

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