Tonight's match against Croatia is a big one. We owe them for missing out on the recently passed Euro's. Even if we did not deserve to be there, the smile must be wiped off Bilic's face once and for all. But more importantly England must be in South Africa for 2010. Failure to qualify for the world's biggest tournament will be a disaster. Indeed, not reaching the semi finals will be deemed as a poor return.
Who am I trying to kid? Of course I would like England to win tonight and the next game and the next, but in reality I could not care less. Why though? Let me tell you why. England must be the most over rated team in the world today. We have limited ability all over the park, when up against the world's very best - just as the Tigers have in the Premiership. City know they do not have the class to match the vast majority of opponents; England believe they are better. City up the work rate and get in the faces of those facing them; England roll over and blame the bumpy pitch. The Tigers fight tooth and nail, throwing caution to the wind if the need arises; England pass it around the back four, as if time is of no consequence.
To me it's all about pride. I am fierce in my defending of both the Tigers and their followers; I laugh at England after each timid performance. I wear my City shirt abroad, standing tall and feeling good; I give my England shirt away to those in greater need of clothing than I.
I remember being asked a question many moons ago which I could not answer: VIP ticket to England v Germany, or paying £12 to watch City play away at Exeter. Well I now know that answer... God bless the Tigers.
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