England in perspective

Having lambasted Sven Goran Eriksson a few weeks ago, it is time to put some positives into the equation. England are in Germany as group winners. Some fancied opponents are not yet having to take the play-off hurdle at the very least. Spain, one of the richest and most gifted football nations in the world, are also perennial under-achievers. Anxious fans are still forced to wait to find out their team’s fate. Turkey, semi-finalists in 2002, just scraped into their play-off, at the expense of Greece, kings of Europe only a year ago. Two-time winners Uruguay need to beat Australia to take their place and the once unbeatable Hungarians are staying at home. So, well done Sven – for now.