England 5, France 3. The 7/18/26. Miami

England 5, France 3 7/18/26. Miami

Under the night floodlights
union jacks merge with blue, white, red,
in a shake of hands, a few hugs,
uniform colors bleeding into one field—
then, separation.   

Officials pick up 
their red and yellow cards,
putting them back 
into their pockets.

God Save the King
rises from those wearing 
red crosses on a canvas of white—
unavoidably brushing against 
the stiffly smiling blue
heading towards the exits.