2 a) Do you know any famous English football clubs or any famous English football players? Read through and check which ones are in the text.

Let's fill in the gaps in the text: 1. Football is the most popular sport in England. In fact, a lot of English people say it is their national sport. 2. English people have played football for a very long time. However, the game didn't have any real rules **until** the 19th century. In 1815, Eton College created rules to make the game less violent and later, in 1848, Cambridge University made many of the modern rules. Football quickly became as popular **as** other games such as cricket. 3. Today, there are thousands of football clubs in England. Professional clubs, such as Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are famous **all** over the world. 4. Football **has** become part of the cultural life in England and hundreds of thousands of fans support their favourite teams in stadiums around the country every weekend. Many English children have football lessons at school. 5. **Famous** footballers, such as David Beckham and Michael Owen have become role models for a lot of these children. Famous English Football Clubs/Players mentioned in the text: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, David Beckham, Michael Owen.