All these years on, I'm still waiting, still dreaming...

Writing in Monday's News, as he recalled the joys of watching his first World Cup - like me, Espana 1982 - Steve Bone said this: ‘After years of letdowns, I now go into World Cups hoping for the best from England but expecting the worst.

- 

We'll get unconvincingly through the group and probably past a knockout stage or two but will very likely exit when we face a South American or European giant.’

I repeat those words for one reason - I agree with every single one.

I almost certainly wouldn't if I wasn't a cynical middle-aged hack.