Sir, - Surprise, surprise, England are out of the World Cup and for the first time in their history have lost their opening two games. Manager Roy Hodgson, looking like a lost soul, hands in pockets wandering around in the technical area, has been reassured that his future is not in question and he will serve out his full contract.
So no knighthood for him, no gongs for the rest of the team, no tea at the palace and team picture with the Queen, no tea at 10 Downing Street, no triumphant open-top double-decker bus ride through London and no throngs of hero-worshipping fans clammering through the streets half sozzled.
Still never mind, if Andy Murray wins at Wimbledon for two years in a row and gets his knighthood, all will be forgotten.
Anyone for tennis?
GEOFF GREGG Tursdale
Sir, - After we’ve all dissected England’s debacle in Brazil my thoughts go out to the sponsors and suppliers that have come out of this with a bloodied nose. The official England shirt retailed at a price of £90. But what are they worth now and would anyone actually want to be seen wearing one? I might chance my arm at £1 – and hope it’ll still fit me for the Euros in 2016.
The directors of Currys and PC World must be scratching their heads wondering what to do with millions of unsold television sets. No doubt they were hoping that England would reach the last eight, and that wives across the country would give in to their husbands’ pleas for a new big-screen television in exchange for a holiday.
The lager companies must have lager piled high and only an Andy Murray success at Wimbledon can help them out.
Confectioner Mars must cringe when they see Steven Gerrard score with the scissors kick on their advert. On reflection, and in the light of recent performances, that scene must have taken lots of time and patience when filming.
Finally, all the big supermarkets must be praying for a red hot summer. It’s the only way to move the unsold barbecues and a stock of burgers and sausages big enough to feed a third world country.
ERIC SCHOFIELD Crook
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