UEFA 2012 European Championship: Day 18

Monday 25 June 2012

Quarter-Finals

England (0) 0 – 0 (0) Italy AET Italy won 4-2 on penalties

I know how I felt after the drubbing by Germany at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, a mixture of embarrassment, annoyance, frustration…well so many things. This morning? I know we went out on penalties again and for all but about twenty minutes, were thoroughly outplayed by the Italians, but I don’t feel bad about it at all. The realism that seems to have dawned on media and fans alike is refreshing. Reaching the Quarter-Finals was about right for England – that isn’t being defeatist, it’s realistic. We are still a way off of teams like Germany, Spain, Italy and Portugal, but it is something to aspire to, not to beat ourselves up about. Given a not too ideal build-up to the tournament, the England players looked like they enjoyed playing, had a pride in wearing the shirt and Roy Hodgson has got them all singing the national anthem, a small thing but important in the overall scheme of things. England now move on and Roy has time to develop a side for 2014 World Cup Qualification. Blimey, I feel vaguely cheery and optimistic…