Every four years, assuming we’ve qualified so forget 1994, the country goes crazy. England flags are all over the place, car windows, draped across house frontages and I’ve even seen someone’s house painted in the style of St. George this year.

Well what a let down Englands opening game against the USA was. ITV let us down big time as the goal was missed by the thousands viewing on ITV HD. Only then when we came to terms with that did we have the blunder by Green to contend with. I think his treatment has been harsh to be honest. It’s a team game after all and the one-on-one Heskey missed should carry just as much blame in my opinion.

This is the first time the world cup has been staged since I’ve been a dad and it has changed my approach a little. No longer is it mandatory for the games to be viewed in the pub after what has been an all day drinking festival. I’m now happy to sit at home and enjoy the games in the comfort of my own home surrounded by my family, and a possibly a few friends of course.

I must say it’s a saving grace that they aren’t selling those vuvuzelas here in England. It’s enough listening to them on the TV without having them blasted down your ear from a yard or two away. If they ever do catch on in the uk I’ll have to think of a pretty good excuse as to why the kids don’t need them in our household.

Englands remaining games in the tournament didn’t get any better and it all ended up in the usual fashion. We lost.

Forgetting the football for a minute, it was hardly memorable, fathers day came and went in June. It was a nice day, food in the pub and a nice pair of Superdad socks, not forgetting a nice new shirt too.. I trust all my fellow superdads were treated accordingly too?

One final thing, I ended up having to go to Germany during the world cup on a business trip and not only did it coincide with the England Germany game, that’s a whole different story, but it was the longest I’ve been away from my boys since they’ve been born. I knew I would be sad being away from them but I don’t think you can really understand how much you’ll miss them until you’re away from them.

Author: Lee

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