And I fear there won’t be any surprise about the flight England will be taking back from the World Cup.

Consecutive defeats to Chile and Germany’s reserves were a sobering reminder – if any more were needed – of our place in world football.

Getting out of the group could be a real struggle. If we achieve that then the traditional quarter final heartache beckons as the big names enter the fray.

Hodgson must feel like one of those music hall plate spinners – every time one part of the team starts to look alright then another starts wobbling.

The back four is the latest to get the jitters.

Things are so bad apparently that people are talking about a return to the fold for John Terry.

Dear me – I’d rather see Terry Butcher tie-on his bloody bandage one more time than see JT lumber around the international stage again.

Being brutal, we have no world-class centre halves or right backs in the country.

Things are little better in the middle where we simply can’t retain the ball or serve-up the slick interplay of sides like Germany.

Our “world class” talent is still Wayne Rooney. Which looks a little desperate when you compare his recent efforts to Ronaldo’s heroics.

Things are looking brighter for the England Rugby boys who look to be making steady progress towards the 2015 World Cup.

It was a privilege to be at Twickenham last Saturday to see England in action – the contrast in professionalism and performance with the football lads hardly needs pointing out.

I even managed to wangle a ticket to the England Rugby Internationals Bar after for a “quiet” apres match drink.

It’s not often I’m the smallest man in the pub but the “Eric” was rammed with retired rugby legends who were great company.

Their playing days may be behind most of them but their drinking arms still work like pistons.

I’ve just about recovered from that session to post up a bet for the weekend and I like the look of Newcastle to beat Norwich and Man City to beat Spurs in a double which pays a shade under 2/1.

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Running Total for all bets this season to a £10 stake: £-68.00