Congratulations to Italy. They deserved to win as they scored two sublime goals and played the game to the bitter end in the right spirit and style. Why - I haven’t seen so many Germans lying on the turf in crumpled, disconsolate heaps since Barcelona in May 1999. At times, the BBC made me feel I was the only person in England not supporting our new best friends, Germany. Still, if I had just enjoyed a 6 weeks, all expenses paid holiday in Germany, enjoying the hospitality watching all the World Cup games, I would probably feel the same. ...

Dear Peter Crouch Listen to Gary Neville. This time, there are no excuses. No ifs, buts or maybes. The hangovers have subsided. We have all taken those stupid flags off our cars and are now looking forward to next season. Let’s face it - England simply weren’t good enough. As you had only played 60 minutes football and were the only recognised striker on the pitch, I wondered why you didn’t step up for one of the first four penalties ? ...

Remember. You heard it here first.

One of the few England players who can hold his head up high after this World Cup. He silenced the doubters (myself included) with two immense performances in midfield. Oh and he converted a kick from 12 yards with just a goalkeeper to beat. Very unusual and very un-English behaviour. It must be the Canadian blood and the fact he plays his domestic football in Germany.

From yesterday’s Press conference [ Would Defoe have been a better selection than Walcot ? ] ‘I don’t think so. If I thought that I would have picked him and I have seen him 15 or 20 times this season.’ And later, Eriksson just can’t help himself and, once again, shows his true colours ‘The reason (for Eriksson leaving the job after the World Cup) was a newspaper coming out with lies…that is why I have sued the newspaper. It has cost me a lot of money but I am sure I will get the money back’. ...