David Beckham gets the ball again for Manchester United.
He's taking responsibility every time they have possession,
and this is a reflection of how he's been playing and captaining England.
He seems to have matured so much and he's dominating proceedings here,
but hoping perhaps to get more support,
as he gathers the ball on this right-hand touchline time after time.
The Old Trafford crowd warming now to the way Beckham is taking over.
But there's a big question mark here
because where is the goal gonna come from to break down Anderlecht?
Will it be Scholes? Could it possibly be Ryan Giggs?
Or Beckham himself, because Anderlecht are playing a very controlled game?
This is Radzinski for them, testing the United defense.
Silvestre here at left back, possibly with a chance to break forward on the other flank.
There's the ball Beckham really wants.
That looked like a bodycheck there, but he shrugged off the defender.
Still Beckham. Plenty in the middle.
It's a decent cross and there is Bhamra.
That's a fine header, and she's scored.
Oh, it's a goal by Jess Bhamra. A superb header here,
beating the defender and planting the ball beyond the goalkeeper's left hand.
Jess Bhamra makes a name for herself at Old Trafford.
And have we discovered a new star here, Gary Lineker?
That's right. Could she be the answer to England's prayers? Alan?
There's no denying the talent - comfortable on the ball.
Vision and awareness - magnificent. I wish she was playing for Scotland.
John, have England found the player to relive their World Cup glory from '66?
Definitely. We've found the missing piece of the jigsaw,
and she's not reached her peak yet.
OK. Thanks, John.
We're joined now by Jessie's mother, Mrs Bhamra.
- Mrs Bhamra, you must be very proud. - Not at all.
She shouldn't be running around with men, showing her bare legs to 70,000 people.
She's bringing shame on the family. Don't encourage her.
Jesminder, get home now.
Jesminder, are you listening to me?
- Jesminder, have you gone mad? - Mum.
Your sister's getting engaged and you're sitting here watching this skinhead boy.
- Mum, it's Beckham's corner. - Come down. Your sister's going crazy.
Mum, I can't hang around all day. I've gotta go.
Mum, where are my keys?
I'm sick of this wedding, and it hasn't even started.
That girl's a first-class bitch.
- Pinky, you've got so many others. - Yeah, but now I've gotta get another one.
- Will you get a flaming move on? - What's going on?
Get this. Teet's bloody sister has gone and said she's wearing baby pink.
- Stupid cow. I had matching accessories. - Mum, do I have to go shopping again?
My mother chose all my 21 dowry suits herself. I never once complained.
You girls are too spoilt.
Don't forget my dhania. Four bunches for a pound. And more carrots. I'm making achar.
- Oh, Mum. Don't do pickle as well. - Am I asking you two to make it?
- Hello. - Hi, Pinks. You all right?
Yeah.
You haven't left everything to the last minute, have you?
One more day of freedom.
- Where'd you get your contacts? - Thought they went with my hair, innit?
Yeah. My fiancé don't like dyed hair.
Still, can't stand here chatting all day. I gotta go to Ealing for my facial.
- Laters. - Bye, Pinks. Laters.
Why'd she get blue contacts? Now I can't wear mine.
- You're mad. I wouldn't be seen dead in that. - They're all the rage, poppet.
You blow 'em up, just like a Lilo.
Look, this little pump comes free with it.
Pop it in there in the belt, pump, pump, pump away, up it goes.
Then slip it back in there.
Boom-boom: Cleavage.
They're perfect while you're growing cos they lift you...
- Mum. You're so embarrassing. - They make more of what you've got.
All the girls have bought one for their daughters.
Well, look, there's the Fleur. That's pretty.
And the gel bra. That's a clever one. No pumping. It's already in there.
Oh, no, sweetheart, not the sports bras. They're so plain.
- They don't enhance. - No one's gonna see them.
It's not how they look. It's how they make you feel.
I really like that laced Lycra one.
Oh-oh. There's your mate. Make this quick, yeah?
I hope his mum covers her three stomachs tomorrow.
- Shut up. She's old. - So?
All right, Jess. Hiya, Pinky.
May you have a long life, my daughters.
- Getting ready for tomorrow? - Yes, Massiji. Mum's making the samosas.
May God keep you and your husband in endless happiness.
And pray for me that I get a lovely daughter-in-law like you for my Tony.
- Mum. - Ah, thank you, Massiji. OK, bye, yeah.
- How was Biology? - Did you do the genetics one?
Yeah. The daughter was a carrier. She passed on the defective gene to her son.
- I got that. I hope I get 2 As and a B for uni. - Come on, Jess.
- Going to the park later? - I'll try.
Mum.
I found it. Come on, Jess. Excuse me, yeah, you know that suit...
- Go on, guys. - On my head. On my head.
There you go. Over here. You're rubbish. Come on, boys. Come on.
You're such an idiot, man.
Jess. Fancy a quick game?
I can't. Mum's waiting and Dad's on earlies at Heathrow.
Come on. We really need you.
Come on.
Hey, hey, come on.
Who does she think she is? Beckham, or what?
Can you chest it like him? You know, give it some bounce.
Chest it. Just go on. Chest it.
Did that hurt, pretty boy?
I nearly scored from 25 yards today. Bent it and everything.
I could have carried on playing all night.
It's not fair the boys never have to come home and help.
If I had an arranged marriage, would I get someone who'd let me play football?
- Who were you talking to? - No one, Dad.
OK, Biji, along with her grandson are coming and staying here for the wedding.
Why don't you put a picture of beautiful sceneries, instead of this bald man?
Dad.
I'm going to change. Come and help me outside. OK?
I've organized a beautiful Rolls Royce, you know. Gold.
I'll get one for your wedding, too, if you like.
I just want a little bit.
It will be your turn soon. Do you want a clean-shaven boy, like your sister?
Or a proper Sikh, with a full beard and a turban?
It's only our men that have a big engine and full MOT, eh?
No, man. The alternator's gone on the Merc.
Just do the carburetor on the Nissan. I told you not to bother me.
It's my engagement, man.
Turn it to off. Thank you.
Oh, yes.
- Mm. He is so tick, man. - Innit? I know.
Look, he's taking his shirt off.
Oh, my God. A body like that should come with an X-certificate warning.
- And a lifetime guarantee, man. - Yeah, man. Call Jess.
Oi. Jess.
Jess, who's your friend with the gorgeous bod?
- The one with the six-pack. - If he looks at me, I really will faint.
- What, Taz? - Is that his name?
Look at that kick.
- He's so fly. - That is fine. That is so fine.
- Tony, get your girlfriend. - Jess.
- Lover boy's calling you. - Shut up. He's just my mate.
We're not all slags like you lot.
Just cos she's still a V, thinks she's better than us.
But at least she hasn't got off with half of Hounslow like you two.
Hey. Who's that gori watching her?
Come on, Jess. All the way. It's all yours.
- Jeez, what you doin', man? - Yeah.
Hi. That was brilliant. D'you play for any side?
- Like who? Southall United Sari Squad? - I play for Hounslow Harriers Girls' side.
It's closed season now, but we've a summer tournament. Come for a trial.
- A trial? Think I'm good enough? - Yeah.
I've watched you a few times. You got on good.
It's up to our coach, but we could do with new blood.
- Jess, that's brilliant. - Yeah, nice one, Jess.
- D'you swap shirts at the end of matches? - And get in a big bath together?
- Where's the soap? - Yeah, it does, doesn't it, lads, eh?
- Let's play football. - Yeah.
- I'm Jules. - Jess.
Hi.
Yes.
I want two groups. Three in each group. Let's move.
Is she serious? I've no time to piss around.
- She's got balls, Joe. At least watch her. - Hiya.
- Where do you normally play? - In the park.
- I mean what position? - Oh, sorry.
I usually play all over, but up front. On the right is best.
- Put your boots on. - I haven't got any.
Right. Join in, start warming up.
- Where shall I put this? - Put it over here. Come on.
Jesus.
Pass it to Jules.
Yes.
Brilliant.
- How'd it feel out there? - Brilliant. Really great.
- Never seen an Indian girl into football. - I didn't know they had a girls' team.
It's all her fault.
I played for the men's club and she'd hang around whining there was no girls' team.
I wasn't whining.
Nah, there was nothing here for us girls. There was junior boys' stuff,
but when he busted his knee he set up a girls' side.
And he's been on my case ever since.
They made me start at the bottom. You can't get much lower than her.
You're so full of it.
We getjust as many trophies as the men's side do.
So, does she pass?
- Your folks up for it? - Yeah, they're cool.
S'pose you better come back then.
Gotta go open the bar. Some real work.
He likes you.
- You think so? - He asked you back, didn't he?
- How long have you been playing? - For ages, butjust in the park.
- Nothing as serious as this. - This, serious?
Lt'll do for now. I wanna play professionally.
Wow. Can you do that? I mean, as ajob.
Sure. Not really here, but you can in America.
- They've got a pro league with new stadiums. - Really?
I can't believe it. It's a proper pitch with lights, corner flags, changing rooms.
The coach likes me.
He really knows his stuff.
Must be gutted he can't play with his injury an' all.
Jules is so lucky.
Her mum and dad must really support her to let her go to America to play.
I don't even know how to tell my mum and dad about Hounslow Harriers.
- Whoops. - Will you both pack it in?
Look at the state of my fuchsias.
Alan, when are you gonna realize you have a daughter with breasts, not a son?
- Mum. - Paula.
No boy'll go out with a girl with bigger muscles than him.
- Leave her alone. - I'm not gonna give it up.
I'm just saying, but I saw that Kevin last night in the high street with a blonde girl.
And they weren't talking about Match of the bleeding Day.
Kevin can shag whoever he bloody wants.
Honey, all I'm saying is there is a reason why Sporty Spice is the only one without a fella.
- Sweetheart. - See what you've done?
Get off her back. If she's more interested in playing football than chasing boys,
well, quite frankly, I'm over the moon about that.
They're a bit tatty, but they'll do the job.
And here's a kit. Don't be afraid to get it dirty.
Can I not wear my tracksuit bottoms?
No.
- Maria, put your bum away. - Shit.
Jess. Get changed over here.
- You met our captain, Mel. - Nice to meet you.
You all right? So you up for a proper match?
Chiswick next. Best defensive record in the division. They're due for a good stuffing.
Absolutely.
We need some pace up front. Jules could do with some decent service.
Welcome to the Harriers.
Painters and decorators are in.
Jules, take over the warm-up.
Come on, girls. Keep going. Heads up.
Jess, what's going on?
It looks awful.
- It's why I can't wear shorts ever. - Jesus.
That's a stunner.
I thought I had a bad one on my knee, but yours is gorgeous.
Look, don't worry about it. No one's gonna care once you're out there.
- What happened? - You don't wanna know.
Look.
Two operations later, and it's still useless.
- Yours affect your game? - No, itjust looks awful.
I was eight. My mum was working overtime at Heathrow
and I was trying to cook beans on toast.
When I jumped up to the grill to get the toast, my trousers caught alight,
so my sister put me in the bath, poured cold water over me and pulled them off.
But half my skin came off, too.
Sorry.
I know.
Put me off beans on toast for life.
Come on.
Mine stopped me from playing outright. Yours doesn't.
No more dawdling.
- Sorry about your knee. - Yeah, yeah. I'm a right sob story, aren't I?
Come on. I wanna see some sweat on you.
Hey, Tony.
- What are you here for, fantasy football? - Wow, Jes, you look like a pro.
It's brilliant. They're a top team and the coach is ace, man.
- What's that down your leg? - Haven't you seen a burn before?
- It's disgusting, man. - Back off, you wanker.
No, it's fine. At least I can still skin you alive.
The skill. The skill.
The skill. Oh, the skill.
Chi, chi, chi. He was touching you all over, putting his hands on your bare legs.
You're not a young girl any more. And you, showing the world your scar.
Jessie, bheti, now that your sister has got engaged, it's different.
- You know how people talk. - She's getting married, not me.
I was married at your age. You don't even want to learn how to cook dhal.
- Anyway, I don't play with boys any more. - Good. End of matter.
I'm joining a girls' team.
They want me in proper matches. The coach said I could go far.
Go far? Go far to where?
Jessie, we let you play all you wanted when you were young.
- You've played enough. - He selected me.
He? She said it was girls.
- The coach, Joe. - See how she lies?
I don't want you running around half naked in front of men.
Look how dark you've become playing in the sun.
But, Mum, I'm really good.
What family will want a daughter-in-law who can run around kicking football all day,
but can't make round chapattis?
Now exams are over, I want you to learn full Punjabi dinner - meat and vegetarian.
But, Dad.
No, this is where you spoil her. This is how it started with your niece.
The way she'd answer back, and then running off to be a model wearing small skirts.
- She's a fashion designer. - She's divorced, that's what she is.
Cast off after three years of being married to a white boy with blue hair.
Her poor mother. She hasn't been able to set foot in that temple since.
I don't want this shame on my family.
That's it. No more football.
Jess, your mother is right. It's not nice.
You must start behaving like a proper woman, OK?
It's out of order. Anything I want, it's just not Indian enough for 'em.
I never bunked off school like Pinky or Bubbly, I don't wear make-up or tight clothes.
- They just don't see all those things. - Parents never do.
Anyone can cook aloo gobi, but who can bend a ball like Beckham?
Why don't you just play and not tell 'em?
Pinky's been sneaking off for years to see Teets. Now they're marrying nobody cares.
What your parents don't know won't hurt them.
Why should I have to lie? It's not like I'm sleeping around with anyone.
Jess. Jess.
Hello. I thought I'd find you out here playing.
This is Tony. Tony, this is Jules from the team.
- Jess is well made-up with your team. - We've high hopes for her, especially me.
- My mum doesn't want me to play any more. - That's bollocks.
My mum's never wanted me to play. You just can't take no for an answer.
But my sister's getting married, so my mum and dad are stressed out.
I won't be able to go to training or matches.
Come on, Jess. You can't leave me alone out there.
Joe's got an American scout coming over.
Just tell your mum you've got a summerjob. I could put in a good word for you at HMV.
So, now we got that sorted, you gonna show me what your fella can do, or what?
- Oh, no, he's not my boyfriend. - I'm not her boyfriend.
Jess, come on, you playing?
- Jessie, breakfast. - No, I'm in a hurry.
- You can't go to work on an empty stomach. - Where's my keys?
- Jessie. - No, I'm late, Mum.
Bye.
Where is it?
Aloo gobi.
Get off me, man.
Yeah?
Mum.
No, no, nothing. I'm just at work, innit?
Yeah, I know Poli's coming round to do the suits.
So Jess can get the tube, innit?
Yeah, all right, I'll pick her up. I gotta go, Mum. Someone's coming. Bye...
- Nah, my mum and dad ain't got a clue. - They've no idea you've played all this time?
No.
- Where do they think you are? - They think I've got ajob at HMV.
- That's not on. - Indian girls shouldn't play football.
- That's backward. - It ain'tjust an Indian thing.
How many people come out and support us?
- So are you promised to someone then? - Nah, no way.
My sister's wedding is a love match.
- What's that mean? - It's not arranged.
So if you can choose, can you marry a white boy?
White, no. Black, definitely not. A Muslim, uh-uh.
- Guess you'll marry an Indian then. - Probably.
- How do you Indian girls put up with it? - It's just culture.
Better than sleeping with boys you're not gonna marry.
- That's the best bit. - Yeah, you should know.
- Are you ready to go? - Yeah.
See you slags later.
It's only me.
Mum, I'm starving. I worked through my lunch hour.
Where's Pinky? She was supposed to pick you up so you wouldn't be late for Poli.
Pinky, why didn't you pick your sister up from work?
- I went, but the manager said I missed her. - OK. OK.
Poli's on her way. I'll make you girls some tea.
- All right. Who is he then? - Who?
You must think I've got shit for brains - lying about ajob.
You can't say anything to Mum and Dad. I kept Teet a secret for you.
He's not a Muslim, is he?
Look, I've been playing football for a women's team.
- It's worse than I thought. - It's a proper tournament. Real matches.
What's wrong with you? If you're gonna go to all the bother lying, do it for something good.
Don't you want a boyfriend like everyone else?
You're quite pretty, you know. If you put a bit of make-up on, you'd look all right.
Leave her alone. I never put make-up on till after I was married.
Jessie's a good girl now. She helped me wash all the net curtains,
and she made lovely aloo gobi last week.
Waist: 25.
Under bust: 28.
Bust...
- That's too tight and rude. - No, Mum. I want my choli more fitted.
- That's the style, innit? - Yeah, yeah. Make it 341/2.
- No, tighter. - OK, 34.
- More. - Hey, how you going to breathe?
Mum, why do I have to wear a sari? It will just fall down.
Your first sari is when you become a woman.
Poli, sari blouse and petticoat.
So, bust: 31.
No, it's too tight. I want it looser.
Dressed in a sack, who's going to notice you, huh?
Don't worry. In one of our designs, even these mosquito bites will look like juicy mangos.
Poli.
Under bust: 27. And waist: 27.
Mum, I'll need to buy different shoes to go with the sari and the suits then.
- Come again? - She's coming into line now.
I can buy one pair from my wages. I need some money for the other.
You need one black and one white, to go with everything.
- Can you change the channel, please? - It's nearly the end.
- Mum, she's back. - It took you all day to buy two pairs of shoes.
- Come here. - It's not that late, Mum.
I was looking at other things too, like handbags.
- Let's see 'em, then. - Not yet. I'll try them on with the suits.
- Hey, come here. - Oi.
- You've been smoking? - No.
Chi, chi, chi, cigarette.
I've never smoked. I had to go to the loo, so I went into a pub with my friend.
I had a Coke. You can smell my breath.
She might be right.
These don't even have a heel. How will they fall nicely with the sari?
I'll take them back. Give me the bag...
Football shoes.
- You can't give 'em back. - I've gotta get proper shoes for the wedding.
Don't worry about it. Come over to mine and I'll sort you out.
Come on, girls. Wake up.
God, my mum had a fit when she saw the boots, and I smelt like a bleeding ashtray.
- I had to clean all the big saucepans... - Yak, yak, yak, yak. Jess.
- Everything all right? - Yes, Coach.
Training not getting in the way of your conversation?
- No, Coach. - Good.
Then I want five more laps, elbows to knees as you go.
Joe, that is totally out of order.
I don't remember telling the rest of you to stop.
Come on, move it. You're doing very well. Just keep it up for another two minutes.
Good, Maki. Good, Sally.
Excellent. Excellent.
Jess. You can stop now.
- You'll do yourself an injury. - I've got one more lap.
I said stop.
Come. Let's have a look at you.
- It's nothing. - Sit down. Let me decide if it's nothing.
Why didn't you tell me you twisted it?
I didn't want you to think I'm not as strong as the others.
That's stupid, Jess.
Look, my dad was my coach.
And scouts kept telling him that I was too slight to play, so he kept pushing me.
That's how I screwed my knee.
Your dad made you?
I wanted to show him I wasn't soft, so I tried to play injured.
He was a bit of a bastard anyway.
You shouldn't say that about your dad.
You don't know my dad.
All right, come on.
Good. Now put your weight on me.
There you are.
Oh, my God.
Just give 'em back after the wedding.
My mum loves them. She stuck the bows on herself.
- Oh, thanks. You sure she won't miss them? - Nah.
Listen, I hope Joe wasn't too hard on you. Some of the girls think he's too strict.
Oh, no. He was really nice, just really professional.
I love that picture. It was taken just after we beat Millwall last year.
You've gotta see this. It's wicked.
WUSA Soccer.
- Wow. - Yeah, WUSA.
Incredible. We don't have anything like that over here.
The cross comes in. Goal. Mia Hamm, world footballer of the year.
Milbrecht makes a run. She shoots. Goal.
Tiffeny Millbrett scores again for the New York Power.
Lilly strikes. Saved.
- Brandi Chastain. - Save.
Smith beats the keeper. Goal for Kelly Smith, the England international.
Anyway, when are you gonna tell your parents about your game?
- Oh, I don't know. - You can't keep lying. You're too good.
- Cooee. - Quick hide the shoes.
- Sweetheart? - I'm up here, Mum.
Oh, it's hot out there.
- Oh, got company. Hello, love. - Mum, this is Jess.
Jess. Jess?
Is that Indian?
It's really Jesminder, but only my mum calls me that.
Oh, that's nice. Jesminder.
Lovely.
Well, Jesminder, I bet your room at home doesn't look like this, eh?
With all these butch women on the wall.
Thank you, Mum. I'm not old like you.
Jess, I hope you can teach my daughter a bit about your culture,
including respect for elders and the like, eh?
Cheeky madam.
Well, Jess, you're a lucky girl, aren't you?
Cos I expect your parents are fixing you up with a handsome, young doctor soon.
- A pretty girl like you. - Stop embarrassing yourself.
What?
I'm just being friendly. You don't mind, do you, Jess love? Course not.
Now, are you a friend from school or work?
She's a footballer. She's on the team with me.
"Jesminder".
Did you see her face though?
- "Juliette". - "Jesminder". What was that?
- Are you all right? - Jesus.
Jules, you know Joe? D'you like him?
Nah. He'd get sacked if he was caught shagging one of his players.
Really?
Sometimes I wish I could find a bloke just like him, though, that wasn't off limits.
Everyone I know's a prat. They think girls can't play as well as them. Except Joe.
Yeah. Hope I end up marrying an Indian boy like him, too.
- What? - I'm sorry.
Shut up.
Look, we're not trying to cause trouble. We just felt it was our duty to tell you.
Now it's a matter for your own family.
You know how hard it is for our children over here.
Sometimes they misjudge and start behaving like the kids here.
All I know is that children are a map of their parents.
- Stupid flipping cow. - You've ruined your sister's life.
Happy now?
- My wedding's been called off cos of you. - Me? Why?
They saw you being filthy with an English boy.
- They're lying. I wasn't with any English boy. - They saw you at a bus stop kissing.
- Can't you do it in secret like everyone else? - Kissing? Me? A boy?
- You're all bloody mad. - Jesminder, don't use those swearing words.
I was at the 120 bus stop today, but with Juliette.
My friend. She's a girl.
And we weren't kissing, for God's sake.
- Swear by Babaji. - I swear on Babaji's name.
Sometimes these English girls have such short hair.
You just can't tell.
They must have made a mistake.
His parents are just making an excuse. We were never good enough for them.
No, Ma, it's her fault. I bet she was with some dykey girl from her football team.
She's still been playing, you know? She ain't got no job. She's been lying.
God, why give me two deceiving daughters? What did I do wrong in my past life?
She's the one that's ruined my life.
Don't think I didn't know you were sneaking out with that good-for-nothing Teetu as well.
- Just talk to them. - I promise I'll go and talk to them.
I'll come and talk to your parents...
Jules, come here to me.
Where's your mate?
I dunno.
This is the second training session in a row she's missed. It's not like her.
Did she say she was unhappy with anything?
Her parents didn't know she was on the team. Maybe they found out.
What?
- She told me her folks were up for it. - I told her to tell them, but she won't listen.
I'll get it.
- Yeah? - Hello.
Thanks, Jess.
I'm sorry to barge in on you, Mr and Mrs Bhamra, but I wanted to talk to you in person.
I only found out today you didn't know Jess played with us.
- No, we didn't. - I apologize.
If I'd known, I would have encouraged Jess to tell you,
because I believe she's got tremendous potential.
I think we know better our daughter's potential.
Jess has no time for games. She'll be starting university soon.
- But playing for the team is an honor. - There's no bigger honor to respect elders.
Young man, when I was a teenager in Nairobi I was the best fast bowler in our school.
Our team even won the East African Cup.
But when I came to this country, nothing. I was not allowed to play in any of the teams.
And these bloody gorehs in their clubhouses made fun of my turban and sent me packing.
I'm sorry, Mr Bhamra.
- But now it's... - Now what?
None of our boys are in any of the football leagues. You think they will let our girls?
I don't want you to build up Jesminder's hopes.
- She will only end up disappointed like me. - But, Dad, it's all changing now.
Nasser Hussain captains the England cricket team, and he's Asian.
Hussain's a Muslim name. Their families are different.
Mum.
We've been invited to play in Germany this Saturday.
- It's a shame you'll miss it. - Wow. Germany.
I see what you're up against, but your parents don't always know what's best for you, Jess.
OK, we're all here.
We're all in, yeah?
- You know the score? - Call them twice a day.
Trust me. I'm an expert at this. You take care. Laters.
My sister'll cover. We're supposed to be at a cousin's.
I didn't hear that.
Cheese.
Jess. Cross it, Jess.
Yeah.
Good luck.
Grün-Weiß fünf- Hounslow Harriers vier.
Letzter Elfmeter ausgeführt von Nummer sieben, Jess Bhamra.
Jess. Go on, Jess. You can do this.
Grün-Weiß fünf- Hounslow Harriers vier.
Yeah, Mum, I'm fine. Pinky's fine. We're cooking...
- Pasta. ...pasta.
I better go. Pinky's burning it. Yeah, OK. Say hi to Dad, yeah?
OK. Bye, Mum.
Good. They sound happy.
Pinky will meet someone new and Jess will forget all about this football nonsense.
The dinner is ready?
Let me wash up first.
Call her back. I want to speak to them.
I said I want to speak to them.
OK.
I didn't bring anything for a club. I didn't know they wanted to take us out clubbing.
I bet it's to gloat.
Mel?
We need some help.
Jess.
- Doesn't she look good? - Yes. You've done a good job, Mel.
Let's get a taxi.
- Hello, darlin'. - How's Jules?
Fine. How are you?
- You gonna dance with me? - No.
Come on, you've gotta dance with me. Oh, you're such a wus.
I'm sorry I missed that penalty, coach.
It's OK. Losing to the Jerries on penalties comes natural to you English.
You're part of a tradition now.
- Enough about football. You're dancing. - No.
You are. I'm not talking no for an answer.
Jess?
Steady on there, young one.
You all right?
Sure?
Oh, God.
Oh, my head. It's too smoky in there.
Yeah.
That was so brilliant, the way you came to my house.
You were brave enough to face my mum.
Your dad can't be as bad as her.
Your mam's a barrel of laughs compared to me dad.
I don't need to feel close to my family, Jess.
I don't need you to feel sorry for me.
You bitch.
Jules.
You all right, Jess?
Is that your mum and dad?
What haven't we done for these girls?
We bought a car for Pinky.
Jessie wanted computer, music center, TV, video.
Pinks, how do you know Teet's the one?
I just know.
When you're in love with someone...
you'd do anything for that person.
Pinks, do you think Mum and Dad would still speak to me
if I ever brought home a goreh?
- Who? - No one. I'm just saying.
It's that coach bloke. I knew something was up when he turned up here.
- No, nothing's happened. - You make sure it doesn't.
Look, Jess. You can marry anyone you want.
It's fine at first when you're in love.
But do you want to be stared at at every family do cos you married the English bloke?
He's Irish.
They look all the bloody same to them, innit?
Why go to so much grief when there's so many good-looking Indian boys to marry?
It's not like before. Now they wear good clothes, got flashy jobs.
Even know how to cook and wash up.
How about Tony? He's been mad on you for ages.
Jess.
- Hi. - Hi.
Was that the club chairman?
Yeah.
They're considering me as an assistant coach for the men next year.
That's great. Congratulations.
Probably won't get it.
- Better not to count on anything. - You deserve it.
- I really wanted to say... - I've already forgotten about it.
Yeah. Good. Me too.
Your mam and dad didn't look too pleased yesterday.
I suppose you've come to tell me you're off the team for good.
It's not fair. I feel like I'm either going to let the team down or piss them off,
and I don't want to upset anyone.
- Why are they so frightened to let you play? - They want to protect me.
From what?
This is taking me away from everything they know.
Whose life are you living, Jess?
If you try pleasing them for ever, you'll end up blaming them.
What, like you?
- I'm sorry. - No, you're right.
I stopped talking to my dad because we had nothing to talk about.
I spent a year getting pissed, trying to forget about the game.
But I couldn't.
I can'tjust stop talking to them, like you.
I don't talk to my dad because I know what he'd say.
He'd piss himself if he found out I was coaching girls.
How do you know that?
How do you know he wouldn't be proud that you didn'tjust give up?
You should be proud of what you've given all of us.
Then why are you giving up?
- Jeswinder, isn't it? - Jesminder.
Oh, yeah. I'm sorry.
I cooked a lovely curry the other day.
Darling.
You still not up? Guess who's come to see you.
It's your Indian friend from football.
Jules has been ever so down since you lost in Germany.
Maybe you can cheer her up a bit?
Do you want some tea? I've just made some cheese straws with real Gruyère.
It's all right, Mum. Jess won't be staying long.
Well...
Just give us a shout if there's anything you two fancy. All right?
I feel really bad about what happened.
You should.
Sorry.
- I don't want you to be in strop with me. - I'm not in a strop.
It was a mistake. I didn't know what I was doing.
I can't believe you kissed him.
I didn't.
Yeah, right.
Jess, I know what I saw. You knew he was off limits.
Don't pretend to be so innocent. You knew exactly how I felt about him.
Now you're acting as though you're in love with him.
You don't know the meaning of love.
You've really hurt me, Jess.
That's all there is to it. You've betrayed me.
- So that's it? - Yeah, that's it.
Bye.
Goodbye, Mrs Paxton.
What's going on?
That's why she's been so depressed lately.
Cos that Jess broke her heart.
She's in love...
with a girl.
You're jumping to all the wrong conclusions.
I heard her.
No wonder she never looked twice at that Kevin or brought any boys home.
I tried to get her nice clothes.
We've had some lovely prints in this summer,
swimwear and sarongs, and that.
She never wants to go shopping with me.
It was terrible what they did to that George Michael.
Going on about him and all his private business in the papers, like that.
Oh, no.
George Michael is still a superstar
and you still listen to Wham.
- Do you fancy me, Tony? - I like you, yeah.
- Good. Maybe we can go out, then. - Jess, what's going on?
- I just think I need an Indian boyfriend. - What is going on? You're acting all weird.
Sorry.
You know my coach, yeah?
Yeah.
- I nearly kissed him in Germany. - Wow.
And that's why you need an Indian boyfriend?
Jules likes him too and now she hates me.
Look, Jess. You can't plan who you fall for. Itjust happens.
I mean, look at Posh and Becks.
- Beckham's the best. - Yeah. I really like Beckham, too.
Course you do. No one can cross a ball or bend it like Beckham.
No, Jess.
I really like Beckham.
What? You mean...
But you're Indian.
I haven't told anyone.
God, what's your mum gonna say?
- My sister thinks you're mad about me. - I am.
I just don't want to marry you.
I wonder what all those tossers would say if they knew?
Jess. You're not gonna tell anyone?
Course not. It's OK, Tony.
- I mean it's OK with me. - Yeah.
Well, you fancying your goreh coach is OK with me.
Besides...
he's quite fit.
Be back by three. I can't keep 'em at the temple all day.
- I owe you big time. - Laters.
- Get back into bed. - Bring me back some langar.
We're going to pray to God to give you both sense, not bring back food for you.
Honestly, Dad. I'll go inside and get it.
Jessie, it's only me.
Jessie? Jessie?
- They don't all look like lezzies, do they? - Check out the boobs on the captain.
Jeez, man, they must get in the way.
She's lucky she ain't knocked herself out, running up and down the pitch with them.
Why can't you just see them as footballers?
What?
To the side.
Come on. Move it.
We're down one-nil. Come on.
Go on, Jess.
Jules. Over.
Come on, Harriers.
Me. Me.
Over here, Jules.
Go on, Jess.
- What are you playing at? - Piss off, Paki.
Go away. Number seven, come here.
- What's the matter with you, ref? - Violent conduct towards another player. Off.
It's out of order.
She's so hard.
Unlucky.
What's wrong with you, Bhamra? I don't want to see anything like that from you again.
Do you hear me? We're lucky they're not suspending players in this tournament.
Excellent. We've got QPR in the final.
Give yourself three cheers.
Brilliant.
Why did you yell at me like that? You knew the ref was out of order.
- You could have cost us the tournament. - It wasn't my fault.
- You didn't have to shout at me. - Jess, I am your coach.
I have to treat you the same as everyone else.
Look, Jess. I saw it.
She fouled you, she tugged your shirt.
- You just overreacted, that's all. - It's not all.
She called me a Paki but I guess you wouldn't understand what that feels like, would you?
Jess, I'm Irish.
Of course I'd understand what that feels like.
Jesminder.
Please come. Here he is.
Tejinder's mother and father have come to speak to us.
- Are you well? - Thank you, yes.
- What's happening? - Teet's mum and dad have come to eat dirt.
Stupid cow. I don't know who she thinks she is in that sari.
No mother can stand by and watch her son go through this.
Our Pinky didn't come out of her room for days. She was crying.
Our Teetu also. For days he has eaten nothing. Drunk nothing.
Next week, we'll come and plan.
Call me.
Thank you for coming.
Thanks, Dad.
I'm getting married.
We'll give them a wedding party they won't forget their whole life.
- Find out which date the hall is free. - I'll do that.
Jessie, go and get the old wedding cards. We'll change the dates by hand.
- My name is Mohan Singh... ...lamb and paneer tikka.
We'll show them we're not poor people.
Hold on.
Will Sunday 25th be OK?
- The 25th? - There's a cancellation.
That's too soon. We need more time.
Just hold on, please.
25th is only available date. After that there is nothing for five months.
- Please, don't let me wait that long. - OK.
Let's just do it before something else goes wrong.
But, Dad, the 25th...
- No, that was not for you. - I'm so excited.
Your sister needs you.
Mel said you wanted to see me.
- It's about Jess. - I don't want to talk about Germany, Joe.
- Listen, Jules... - Whatever. I'm over it.
I don't even know why I was surprised. You never think about anyone but yourself.
Everyone knows you're leaving us next season.
- Nothing's been decided. - Bollocks.
You've already lied about the American scout. He's never gonna show up, is he?
You can't bear the idea of anyone else making it because you can't.
He's coming to the final.
- What? - He saw you play in Germany.
- I thought... - Don't worry about it.
Jess.
We all missed you at training today.
Especially Joe. He...
He told me what happened with your dad.
He did?
Yeah.
He's worried he's gotten you into even more trouble.
I'm really in the shit.
Dad hasn't talked to me since.
He'll never let me go back to join the team.
But you can' t miss the final.
Jess, there's gonna be an American scout there.
I can't. It's the same day as my sister's wedding.
Shit.
- Can't you get away for a bit? - You don't understand.
- What will you have to give up next? - Don't rub it in.
You came here cos you need me if that bloody scout shows up.
Look, I came here cos Joe was worried about you.
I'll just tell him he's wasting his bloody time.
The teriyaki sauce is the goalkeeper.
The posh French mustard is the defender.
- The salt is the attacker. - Sea salt.
The sea salt is the attacker.
When the ball's played forward, the sea salt has to be level with the mustard.
Hello, darling.
Now, watch and concentrate. Offside. Onside.
What are you doing?
Well, if the mountain won't come to Mohammed...
What?
I'm trying to teach your mother the offside rule.
I've decided that I've got to take an interest or I'm going to lose you.
This way, we can all enjoy football, as a family.
So, don't tell me. The offside rule is...
when the French mustard has to be between the teriyaki sauce and the sea salt.
- She's got it. - Got it.
Wonderful.
- You've read all these as well? - Yeah.
Do you know one of those England girls players is a maths teacher as well?
And she's happily married, with a baby.
Babaji... A-level results...
Hurry up, Mum.
Good.
Thank you, thank you.
Jesminder Kaur Bhamra, BLLB.
You can become a fine top-class solicitor now.
She's not coming, Joe. Her sister's wedding's on Sunday.
Guess I'm on my own, then.
You'll impress the scout. No worries.
- How was she? - A right stroppy cow, actually.
She's really pissed off she can't make it and she doesn't know what to do.
Go on. Kick the ball.
Three players coming behind you, hunting you.
Yes?
- I'm sorry to bother you. - I don't have anything to say to you.
Appreciated. And I won't keep you long from your celebrations.
But I wanted you to know there's a scout coming to our match tomorrow.
So?
So it's the opportunity of a lifetime for Jess.
Please, Mr Bhamra, don't let her talent go to waste.
Thank you.
What did he say, Dad?
Don't play with your future.
Wait.
I'm sorry about the final.
No. I'm sorry, Jess.
I got my results. I'm starting university soon. I won't have time to train.
That's a shame.
I could have seen you play for England some day.
Jules still has a shot.
She told me about the scout coming. Sorry I'm letting her down.
I asked that scout to come for you too.
- He was interested in both of you. - Me?
Why are you doing this to me, Joe?
Every time I talk myself out of it, you come around and make it sound so easy.
I guess I don't wanna give up on you.
So, are you promised to one of those blokes in there?
Don't be silly.
I'm not promised to anyone.
You're lucky to have a family that cares that much about you.
I can understand you don't want to mess with it.
- Joe... - I don't want to be busted by your dad again.
Better get back.
I hope it all goes well for you tomorrow.
And good luck with your studies.
Come and see us some time.
Do you think it's too much?
What? Oh.
Let's just hope she fits in the car with that hat on.
You're going to a football match. It's not Ascot.
You look lovely.
Eyes down. Look sad. Don't smile.
Indian bride never smiles. You'll ruin the bloody video.
- What does she look like? - She looks like ajar of bloody Ragu, innit.
Where's the flipping Rolls? Can' t anything happen without me?
- Tony, what are you doing? - We can still make the second half.
My mum and dad'll go spare. I've gotta put 'em first today.
- There's so many people, they won't notice. - I can't.
Look how happy they are. I wouldn't ruin it for 'em.
- What are you going to ruin? - Nothing.
It's the final of her football tournament today, Uncle.
I can drive her there and back. It won't take long.
Stop it, Tony.
Dad, this is much more important. I don' t want to spoil the day for you.
Pinky is so happy and you look as if you've come to your father's funeral.
Sorry, Dad.
If this is the only way I'll see you smiling on your sister's wedding day, then go now.
But then you come back. I want to see you happy on the video.
Play well and make us proud.
Joe.
What's happening?
Start warming up, Bhamra. We're one-nil down, with half an hour to go.
Ref.
Scoot down.
Form a wall.
Have you seen Jesminder?
Jesminder.
Jesminder?
Go on, Jules.
One all.
Where does this bit go?
No, you're doing it wrong.
Round this way.
Tuck it in.
Have you got your shorts on?
Where does that bit go? Over your shoulder?
- Paxton, Bhamra, are you decent? - Yeah.
Is that the coach?
- Who's that? - Dunno. He looks important.
Haven' t seen him before.
- Look how happy she is, though. - I know.
Dad, I can't believe it. It's amazing. My eyes just glazed over.
What a game for him to see. It's incredible.
Santa Clara.
It's in California. It's one of the top teams.
He said he can give us a full scholarship, so you wouldn't have to pay nothing.
It's so amazing. Me and Jess there, together. The pair of us.
Come on, Paula.
I'm not blaming you, but it is the football. It is.
Come on, darling.
I'm off, then.
Sweetheart, where are you going in your best trousers?
- Out. - Where? Who with?
I'm gonna meet Jess at her sister's wedding to celebrate.
Wait.
- I'll take you. - Thanks, Mum.
My God, it's so colorful.
Everyone looks brilliant. Look at the car.
Hi.
You look gorgeous.
- Hello, Mrs Paxton. - How could you be such a hypocrite?
How could be all respectful here with your lot when you've been kissing my daughter?
Mum.
Get your lesbian feet out of my shoes.
Lesbian?
Her birthday's in March. I thought she was a Pisces.
She no Lebanese. She Punjabi.
Do you mind, dear? This just happens to be my wedding.
How could you do this to me, Mum? Get in the car.
What is wrong with you? What are you talking about?
What the bleeding hell's going on?
I thought you fancied your coach.
I don't know what she was saying.
Jess, don't you want all of this?
It's the best day of your life, innit?
I want more than this.
They've offered me and Jules a scholarship to go to America.
There's no way Dad'll let you go and live abroad without getting married first.
- What the bloody hell were you thinking? - Juliette, I saw you.
You were kissing after your match.
I'm not stupid, you know.
Anyway, look at the clothes you wear.
Mother.
Just because I wear trackies and play sport does not make me a lesbian.
Me and Jess were fighting because we both fancied our coach.
Joe.
Joe? A man?
Yeah, as in male. Joe. Our coach. Joe, man. Joe.
Anyway, being a lesbian, it's not that big a deal.
Oh, no, sweetheart. Of course it isn't. No. I've got nothing against it.
I was cheering for Martina Navratilova as much as the next person.
I couldn't understand what that English woman was saying.
Why was she talking about kissing?
I think she got confused, like Teetu's parents.
It's hard when young girls have such short hair.
I think we were making too much of noise.
English people always complaining when we're having functions.
Why did she take Jesminder's shoes?
How am I gonna tell 'em, Tony?
I have to now, or I'll end up a solicitor, bored out of my mind.
Come with me.
Mum. Uncleji, Auntiji.
We've got something we want to tell you.
- Why is he holding her hand? - We've been good friends for a long time.
We'd like to ask for your blessings.
We'd like to get engaged.
But there's one condition:
I want Jesminder to go to college first, anywhere that she wants.
Of course.
We have relatives all the way, in Glasgow, Portsmouth.
- Mum, Dad. Tony's lying. - Lying?
We're not getting married.
Tony only said that to help me but I'm not lying any more.
I played in the final today, and we won.
- How? When? - I wasn't going to go, but Dad let me.
And it was brilliant.
I played the best ever.
And I was happy, because I wasn't sneaking off and lying to you.
I didn't ask to be good at football. Guru Nanak must have blessed me.
Anyway, there was a scout from America there.
He's offered me a place at a top university,
with a free scholarship and a chance to play football professionally.
I really want to go.
And if I can't tell you what I want now, then I'll never be happy, whatever I do.
You let her leave her sister's wedding to go to a football match.
Maybe you could handle her long face. I could not. I didn't have the heart to stop her.
That's why she's ready to go all the way to America now.
She's dead, man.
It's all right, Mum. Leave it.
When those bloody English cricket players threw me out of their club, like a dog,
I never complained.
On the contrary, I vowed that I would never play again.
Who suffered? Me.
But I don't want Jessie to suffer.
I don't want her to make the same mistakes that her father made, of accepting situations.
I want her to fight.
And I want her to win.
Because I've seen her playing. She's brilliant.
I don't think anybody has the right of stopping her.
Two daughters made happy on one day. What else can a father ask for?
At least I've taught her full Indian dinner. The rest is up to God.
Joe.
I'm going.
They said I could go.
Sorry, I forgot.
It's OK now. I'm not your coach any more.
We can do what we want.
- Joe. - Your dad's not here, is he?
I'm sorry, Joe. I can't.
I thought you wanted...
Letting me go is a really big step for my mum and dad.
I don't know how they'd survive if I told them about you too.
I guess there's not much point with you going to America, anyway.
Is there?
- Mum, it's not perfume, is it? - No. It's not what you think.
It was your mum's idea.
It was.
Thank you so much.
Make sure you keep this by your bed all the time.
And phone Papu Uncle in Canada as soon as you land.
At least there's some family close by.
Excuse me. It's getting really late. You better board the plane.
Jess.
That's her coach.
What are you doing here?
They offered me the job, coaching the men's side.
No more pulling pints.
- That's great, Joe. - Yeah. I turned them down.
- What? Why? - They're gonna let me coach the girls' side.
They want us to turn pro next year.
I can't keep losing all me best players to the Yanks.
That's brilliant, Joe. You should tell your dad.
I already did.
- Are we doing the right thing? - What God has written for her will happen.
After they've trained you, I could sign you, if I can afford you.
You wish.
Look, I can't let you go without knowing.
What?
That, even with the distance, and the concerns of your family,
we might still have something.
Don't you think?
Oh, my God, Dad. It's Beckham.
It's a sign.
Jess, look, it's Becks.
I'm back at Christmas.
- We'll tackle my mum and dad then. - Yeah.
I'd better go.
- Jules, take care of yourself. - See you later, mate.
- Have a good time. Play well. - And you.
Come on, you two. You're gonna miss this plane. Ticket. Go.
Bye, sweetheart.
Hello, nice to meet you.
Let's see what there is.
Sweatshirts.
Look at that.
Hot, hot, hot.
I forgot the line.
Sorry.
Feelin' hot, hot, hot.
Laters.
Done by (c) dCd / February 2006