With the Euro 2008 about to kick off I can't help feel a little deflated due to England's failure to qualify for the competition. So much was expected, but England just didn't live up to those expectations.
I'm sure that my enthusiasm will return when the first game kicks off on Saturday and the competition explodes onto our screens. Glad in a way that England aren't there because their chances are always over hyped and the media make the whole nation believe that this is their year and England just never lives up to it.
So, the question is "Who Will You Support In Euro 2008?"
When will the England players show the fight, passion and determination to win every ball, and the raw energy that was once feared.
Did England turn up to Paris to face France? France looked really pumped for the game and ready to fight tooth and nail to beat the old enemy England. Whereas England were yet again poor. Did Steve McClaren pick the formation? Rooney is not a lone striker and England need at least two up front.
Ribery's penalty gave France a 1-0 deserved victory against England, but was it a penalty? James must of felt a little hard done by, as Anelka's touch was too heavy and James just stood his ground.
On the positive side it was nice to see that Beckham made his 100th cap for England, it was even nicer to see the whole stadium give him a standing ovation when he was substituted. Hope it's not Beckham last game for England as he still has a lot more to offer on the international stage.
By way the best English player on the pitch was Peter Crouch, he held the ball up well and always played the right pass. Shame he doesn't get a regular game at Liverpool, he will definitely have to get a transfer at the end of the season.
Result
France 1 - 0 England
England play France on Wednesday (26/03/2008) in Paris and will Fabio Capello pick Beckham for England?
I'm a big fan of Beckham and I hope he does get to play, as he still has a lot to offer on the international stage. When McClaren dropped Beckham, I knew it would effect England's chances of qualifying for Euro 2008.
I hope that England play with heart and passion against France, as that's what's been lacking from the last couple of internationals. It's time to start over again and a lot of the players in the England squad still have to justify why they're in the squad.
Can Lampard and Gerrard play in the same team? Should Crouch start up front? Hopefully Capello will have the answers and solutions to these questions. England needs to stretch the French defence and revert back to traditional wingers and high tempo football.
Whatever the outcome, I just hope England puts in a good performance and holds their own and the players can hold their heads up high.
France are a force to be reckoned with, hopefully England won't be on the wrong end of Anelka and Trezeguet.
Prediction
I'm going for a 1-2 to England, France will score first through Anelka, Crouch and Rooney for England late on.