I have been watching the Euro 2024 Football Championship with a great deal of interest. Unfortunatly the best coverage I can get is highlights, since full matches hide behind a pay-wall that I am reluctant to activate. But the 5-10 minute snippets and the more full-some YT commentary, together with regular news reports, give me a sufficient immersion in the contest.

The Round of 16 is almost upon us with the usual suspects - Germany, France, Spain and Portugal - amongst the favourites. The Italians, English and Dutch also present a threat. As for England, the tourney thus far has been bitterly disappointing. Sure, they finished top of their group - but the football! So much talent, so little cohesion.

Only England could take a team of such talent and put on such a wretched display. As a North Sydney Bear's fan of yore, I am only too well aware of the competency of a side that snatches defeat from the jaws of victory. May it not be so in the next round for England.