Euro 2008 was not on my intended TV list viewing list this weekend but it became the only tele that I consumed and enjoyed, mainly due to the wonderful performance of Holland over France on Friday which I sat watching with my son (he who still insists on wearing his M&S pants on display ('Fashion - It's Pants' blog April '08).

There are two issues that I pondered after watching a brilliant recovery by Turkey over Czech Republic (will Petr Čech ever live that fumble down!) that endorses the fact that English football is overrated and the players overpaid. The first is the clear difference in the lack of fouls that seem to be commited by European players (OK, I know that most of the top player in our league are foreigners but when they play for their national sides they seem to be more respectful and restrained) and the games I watched just flowed and were thoroughly entertaining. I can't remember the last time I ever thought that about an England game.

The second thought that bothers me is not just that the England team were not good enough to play at this international level, but that it seems that they couldn't give a damn about it. Where are the players who should be standing up and admitting that they didn't do their best for their country in qualifying, but that they will try harder next time, and setting the kids of today an example that whilst it's OK to fail there is pride in representing your country and it's not just about the money.

Maybe I'm wrong and it's all the Manager's fault and if it is then let's hope Fabio Capello can do something worthy with his collective of millionaires that call themselves footballers.