This film is funny, emotional and true to life. At a press conference before England's make or break game against Argentina, the British reporters call for Mike to resign. After so many poor results and experimental formations, including one called the Christmas Pudding, they think his time as manager should be over. After being shouted down into silence by the reporters Mike quietly begins to recite the poem 'IF' by Rudyard Kipling, his voice and his passion rising with every line. Having said the final lines,"Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!" he stands triumphant and proclaims "England play 4-4-f**king-2!" and then storms out. As the poem he chose says, IF!, if only Sven had watched this film before the 2006 world cup!
Review of Mike Bassett: England Manager
