Well it just wasn’t meant to be. Of course, losing to Croatia and getting eliminated from the World Cup, just one stage before the final, is very disappointing. However, unlike previous cup exits, I have been left with an incredible sense of pride. These players generally care and want to play for their country. They’re also likable.

If these players can keep their feet on the ground, and The FA can keep Gareth Southgate from being poached from his job as manager, the future is very bright for our national side.

Well, well, well… I believe I have to doff my cap to the England national football team.

They have finally surprised and very much impressed me, reaching the semi final of the World Cup, this afternoon. A pretty amazing feat by manager, Gareth Southgate, who has built a young and hungry team – certainly the best I’ve seen since becoming a football fan.

The team’s success is all the more impressive, if you compare this year’s players with the ‘superstars’ of Lampard, Rooney, Beckham, Terry, Ferdinand, etc – it’s almost as if, in the past, players were picked for England based upon reputation, rather than if they’re any good!

Finally, apologises to Roman, our pet rabbit, who got a little alarmed when Claire and I celebrated the first goal. Personally, I think he was just being bitter because his team didn’t qualify for the World Cup. Before you ask, Roman supports Holland – he’s a NETHERLANDS Dwarf Rabbit.

It is the draw for the World Cup this afternoon. Lots of people are already predicting England to fail to progress past the group stage. I don’t know – if we are drawn against these three teams, I think we’ll be OK…

• Outer Mongolia
• Vatican City
• Lapland