AFTER a match resulting in England progressing to the second round of the World Cup, we should be singing England's praises. Not so after their match with Nigeria, when they were lucky to scrape through, due to the four points they already had under their belts.

If the team had played as badly in the first half of the Sweden match as they did in the second, it would be England and not the Argies on their way home now. One and a half good matches out of three is no way to win the World Cup!

After beating Argentina, the Sweden result began to look like a 'blip'. Following the Nigeria fiasco, however, this is clearly not the case. Having drawn this match, England are likely to be playing Brazil, rather than Japan, in the quarter-finals, IF (and it must be a very big if) they can beat Denmark in the second round.

Let's hope that Sven can inspire England to a consistent performance of the standard they showed against Argentina.

Without this, we may soon see English fans shedding tears of defeat, as did the Argentinians. Come on England, get your fingers out, this is the World Cup. - Bob Gosling, Bishop Auckland.

COULD I just congratulate Nissan on their recent publicity campaign. It makes a refreshing change that their employees are now being given the chance to watch the World Cup, as opposed to the filth they have previously been encouraged to watch in working tune.

Could I also congratulate them on using another female employee to talk to the Press. I only hope this female employee will not be subjected to the same treatment and degradation as Beverley Ward had to endure in previous months.

I sincerely hope this lady will not have to endure an industrial tribunal because of her gender as Miss Ward has. - J Sweeney, Bishop Auckland.

CAN anyone explain why we must have David Beckham rammed down our throats at every available opportunity?

This overrated, over-hyped and overpaid footballer would not merit a first glance let alone a second, from me.

He is a poor-looking individual, with dreadful dress sense and untidy personal grooming. The media seems to believe that our lives must somehow revolve around this man. For goodness sake, give it a rest. - J Watson, Washington.

ANIMAL TESTING

CONGRATULATIONS to the UK's MEPs for standing up to the UK Government over the issue of testing cosmetics on animals.

Despite the 'voluntary' ban on cosmetics testing in the UK, the Government opposed a proposal in Europe for a blanket ban on the sale of animal-tested cosmetics, regardless of where they are tested. Apparently, this Government fears a trade war with the US and Japan more than standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Thousands of animals suffer and die in these unnecessary tests, and our supporters will be delighted to hear that the MEPs voted with their consciences, and put prevention of suffering before trade. - Jan Creamer, Director, NAVS Society.

GIBRALTAR

HAVING been exposed as both unscrupulous in motive and unsuccessful in outcome, in trying to sell out the people of Gibraltar's sovereignty to Spain, the Government is now resorting to Plan B, namely smear tactics. Jack Straw has called into question the financial probity of the Rock and suggested, without any foundation whatsoever, that because of its tax status, Gibraltar could be used as a money laundering centre.

The vileness of this Government towards its proven friends and allies is seemingly both endemic and boundless.

Messrs Hain, Straw and Blair are pursuing this vendetta against Gibraltar because they (the Gibraltarians) wish to remain British and stand up and say so forcefully, repeatedly and overwhelmingly.

Given Mr Blair's ambitions to become president of the European superstate, he is quite willing to sacrifice the people of Gibraltar, despite their expressed democratic will, to retain the support of Spain in his ambitions. - Dave Pascoe, Press Officer, UK Independence Party, Teesside Branch.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

ALED Jones (HAS, Jun 10) complained that the Government spends as much as £170 per UK family per year on Third World aid.

His miserly letter makes me ashamed to live in the same country - £170 per family per year is only about 20p per head per day. This is shamefully little when you compare the standard of living of even our poorest people with the terrible conditions the grants are trying to improve.

We should be campaigning for much more to be put in the Government's international aid funds, preferably earmarked from income tax so that it does not act as a further burden on the poorest people here. - John Hawgood, Durham.

THE EURO

What does it mean? If Tuesday's letter (HAS, June 11) it to be believed, which I think it is, it means we will be faced with prices rising on almost everything you buy.

It means lots and lots of coins in your purse and pocket and it certainly means misery to disabled people who have difficulty in managing money at any time. It means that toddlers have to start learning a new currency and pensioners will again have to learn another currency. Remembering the last time, and how long it was before the half pence disappeared from our purses, makes me wonder just how we are going to manage this time.

Remember, we have old age looming over us, trying to make ends meet, everything goes up, nothing goes down and younger folk have no patience with us, it's just great being a pensioner.

I think everyone should sit down and think of what people, having had holidays to Europe, tell us. Think about shopping with percentages being added to a lot of things and, of course, European holidays are going to cost even more because it is certain that there will be increases in prices. - A Jackson, Darlington.