… I have the game TiVo’d.

This is a standing rule that sports fans understand very well. It’s the not-quite-fans who have trouble understanding. They think they are doing us a favour

So, not-quite-fans, follow this simple rule to save yourself - and, more importantly, the victims of your good intentions - a lot of heartache. Before you say anything about the game, ask this simple question :

Do you know the result of the Team X vs Team Y game ?

Thank you for your cooperation.

I am delighted for Rooney that he’ll be going to the world cup. I am even happier for me because now we are in with a shot at the trophy.

It’s hard to know how anyone can beat Brazil but if anyone can it’s England… and we are overdue some luck.

What do all these players have in common ?

• Beckenbauer
• Vogts
• Voller
• Klinsman

They are all great german players who went on to coach their national team. The best dutch players, too, seem to make an easy transition to coaching - Cruyff, Gullit, Rijkaard, van Basten.
How come english players don’t do the same ? It seems that you are not qualified to be an England manager until you have coached Swindon, Watford or Oxford.