THE scene was set for a weekend of glorious patriotism. Communities revelled in the party spirit stirred up to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Team spirit, passion, and a determination to do our country proud were all in evidence as local organisers played blinders to make sure the festivities will be remembered in another 50 years.

We particularly salute those unsung heroes who helped organise countless parties, fancy dress parades, and galas. The result was a colourful jamboree which lifted morale throughout the country.

But we should not forget that without a minority of community-spirited people taking the initiative and putting in so much hard work, the majority would not have been able to enjoy the party.

With even the sun joining in, it all seemed too good to be true. All that was needed was an England victory in the World Cup against Sweden to seal a red, white and blue weekend.

When Sven's men started brightly and Sol Campbell powered in his first-half header, we could have been forgiven for thinking that maybe, just maybe, dreams might be about to come true.

Then we woke up. Sweden started playing, England inexplicably stopped, our captain and talisman David Beckham went off suffering from the after-effects of his fightback from injury, passes went astray, mistakes crept in, and in the end we were lucky - very lucky - to hang on for a draw.

Optimism was replaced by disappointment, frustration and an inescapable feeling of deja vu.

There is, of course, a danger of becoming too pessimistic too quickly. It's only one game and England are notoriously slow starters in major competitions.

We can still do it - but the message is loud and clear: It has to get a great deal better.

Team spirit, passion and a determination to do our country proud are desperately needed against old rivals Argentina on Friday.

But it was still a weekend to remember.