IT is part of being English to crave sporting success and to be normally denied it in agonising circumstances.

We build our hopes up, convince ourselves that we're going to do it, and then usually blow it in a penalty shoot-out or nail-biting tie-break.

But fairytales do happen once in a while. Jonny Wilkinson's last-gasp kick to win us the rugby world cup seems an age ago now but it shows that we're not always destined to be losers.

It is impossible to be confident about the chances of England's footballers emulating their rugby counterparts in Euro 2004.

We have been unconvincing to say the least but we are still in with a shout and in Wayne Rooney we have a young man destined to be one of the world's best players. And while Sven's men prepare to face Croatia, the annual dose of Henmania is about to break out at Wimbledon as Tim begins his latest quest to win Wimbledon.

Again, it is impossible to be confident but, with new coach Paul Annacone having rebuilt his game, Henman is playing better than ever.

If he is ever to win the greatest prize in tennis, this has to be his year. For the past week, every other car in the country has been adorned with an England flag or window sticker.

Imagine what it would be like if England went all the way in Euro 2004, and Henman made it into unchartered territory beyond the semi-finals at Wimbledon. Both finals take place on July 4 so check your diary now and make sure the date is free because it might - just might - be the greatest day in English sporting history.

Fantasy? Almost certainly. But it's part of being English to dream.