It is one of the most exciting aspects of preparing for a major international tournament.
Nothing marks the start of a World Cup or European Championships quite like pinning (or usually blutacking) a fresh new wall chart in your home or workspace. Of course towards the semi-final stage it’ll start to look a little torn and battered, but that just means it was well used/loved.
It’s not just for show or childish excitement either. When you’ve got up to three games a day to savour, you need to ensure you’re fully aware of who’s playing and at what time. It’s no exaggeration to suggest it shapes your social life and affects your working patterns for the month.
Even in these days of smartphones and calendar notifications, there’s nothing quite like a physical sheet of A4, A3 or usually A2 to adorn your walls and update manually – particularly if there’s the bonus of stickers. So with that in mind here’s a few wall charts you can print out or order before the big kick off…
Quinky Art
Not only is Elliott Quince a talented artist, but he is also very generous. This A2-sized wall chart features a 1988 vintage Ruud Gullit, and all the proceeds from your £10 purchase go to charity, namely the Luton & Dunstable Hospital Neonatal unit.
Made By Rileigh
This limited edition wall chart is a work of art. Ditching the conventional linear format for a more radial design, it almost feels rude to scribble the scores in. It’s not cheap at £17.99 but is beautiful and a whopping A1 in size.
Radio Times
The Radio Times is not just for Christmas, for you to highlight your preferred festive viewing. The TV and radio listings magazine are giving away a free wall chart with their current issue. It folds out horizontally, so you’ll need to ensure you’ve got room…
Anita Roza
Graphic designer Anita Roza is a Croatian Arsenal fan, but she has created this free to download wallchart that is neither affiliated to the Gunners nor biased towards her beloved Croatia. Instead you have a very smart and functional design – and it’s free!
Here's a "general" wallchart for all #Euro fans not affiliated with Arsenal or Croatia. https://t.co/wpCofT0Kbi pic.twitter.com/ikvJQ2Ydix
— Anita (@arsenaloFka) June 2, 2016
Glory Magazine
With this monochrome beauty, the good folk at Glory give you the option of either downloading for free and printing your own version, or purchasing a limited edition A2 hard copy for £5, printed on luxury textured paper. Sounds like a bargain to us…
When Saturday Comes
We don’t know about you, but we grew up leafing through WSC. There was a time before the internet when it was one of the few intelligent reads for folk who loved football. A pullout Euros wall chart comes free with their latest issue, along with a handy team guide.
Firstborn unhappy that his art wall has been commandeered by the @WSC_magazine #Euro2016 wallchart… pic.twitter.com/PfLWrBzNKB
— Ed Bridges (@DrEdBridges) May 20, 2016
The Football Pink
Talking of all things old-school, this eye-catching effort by the Football Pink has a decidedly retro feel. Artist Stephen Gulbis has produced something that looks like Grange Hill meets Roy of the Rovers, and in a very good way. Download it for zero monies.
Nirvana CPH and Studio Blackburn
If your tastes are a bit more fancy and well, abstract, this conceptual beauty from the Studio Blackburn and Nirvana Creative Production House may be more your style. It’s A1-sized and features coloured stickers that represent each nation. Available upon request, obvs…
*This article first appeared on JOE.co.uk*
