England

I have not played football since I was twelve. It is not one of my interests. I do watch the lifestyle of the players, who are paid huge sums and are idolised by youngsters, to whom they are heroes. I know that stories about them sell papers and are an essential feature of tabloid circulation. I am aware that pubs and clubs across the country gain enormous trade from having big screen TV for their customers to watch matches. I am aware that the English football  club and league structure is the richest,  best organised and best supported in the world.

The football World Cup has become  not just a sporting event, but an international event second only to the Olympics. When the tournament opens, the England players cease to be just overpaid footballers with celebrity status and fortunes built on aftershave and underpants. They are team players representing the hopes and aspirations of all the people of their country from the Prime Minister downwards and with people and Princes united in supporting them, rooting for them and cheering them on. This is not just about them. It is about everyone. This is when those players individually and as a team must shine for their Country, to which they owe everything that they are.

What has happened thus far in South Africa is disgraceful. The spectacle last night was unforgivable. Distraught fans who had travelled thousands of miles to support their national team booed. Those boos were echoed across this country in so many public places where anticipation had turned to disappointment then to dismay and on to anger. As they rang in the ears of the shamed players slinking back to their dressing room, they echoed in every English heart.

By next Wednesday Capello’s men have to pull themselves together. The road to glory is still open, but only just. Now is the moment to show their courage and redeem our faith. The alternative is an early arrival home in disgrace and in the knowledge that they have let their country down. They have a lot to play for now. Everything, in fact.