Blog: All England Blacks

Looking forward to the European qualifiers this weekend, has anyone else noticed how the All Blacks and their legion of devoted fans have morphed into the England football team and their long-suffering supporters?

Bear with me on this - I have evidence to prove it.

1. Belief that we have the divine right to be at the tournament and are one of the favourites.
2. Harping on about 1966/1987.
3. Never-ending build-up coupled with hype upon hype - "this time we ARE going to win".
4. Blind devotion to our superstars - "McCaw/Beckham/Collins/Lampard is world class".
5. Disappointing group games, which are won unconvincingly.
6. Premature exit as we choke at the hands of "inferior" opposition.
7. Whinging.
8. Blaming the referee.
9. Agonising soul-searching.
10. Week-long (at least) post-mortem.
11. Slamming the coach and calling for his head. Failing that, his resignation will do.
12. Coming to terms with the defeat and beginning to look forward to the next tournament.
13. Go back to 1.