Things And Bits

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So out tumble England, in the most predictable of ways. That’ll be five tournaments we’ve been knocked out of on penalties since 1990 – with only one victorious shootout, against Spain in the quarter-final of the European Championship in 1996. Let’s face it, with one notable blip (1966), England have proved themselves to be a quarter-final side and nothing more, and the sooner everyone comes to terms with this the better.

As for Theo Walcott – well if nothing else, it’s been an experience for him that should stand him in good stead, but his inclusion in the squad, it’s now clear, was nothing more than a PR stunt on Eriksson’s behalf. Did he really ever plan to play him? I doubt it.

But the good thing about England’s exit is that the mirth and hilarity of the close season can now get going with a vengeance. We’ve had Pires departing and Rosicky coming in, but the general consensus is that this summer, for a whole host of reasons, we’re going to be busy.

I must say, I look forward to it, and you’d hope that Wenger is finalising some of these deals right now in time for the return to training in three weeks.

Three weeks!

Jim

Arsenal since about 1979. Thick, thin and all that.