Much like the wider economy, football in this country is an overinflated bubble ready to burst. Two years after failing to qualify for the European Championships, let us see further embarrassment with an early exit from the World Cup. Then let us seize this opportunity to properly scrutinise the national game and its failings, rather than single out the manger or individual members of the squad.
The appointment of Fabio Capello has brought about a more stylish and confident England. Now they have a kit to match.
As I write these thoughts in early July 2004, still mourning the defeat against Portugal in a Euro 2004 Quarter Final, I realise the England team has come a long way in the last 4 years.
Many pundits were suggesting that Euro 2004 was our best chance of winning at international tournament since Italia ‘90, and who would have doubted them.
I’ve long been interested in the popular geography of Great Britain, but also annoyed by the continual government reorganisation that seeks to confuse it.