Russia v England

Firstly, I will say that the fact that we lost 2:1 didn't impact on my enjoyment of our holiday; I won't say the referee robbed us either - decisions even themselves out over the course of a campaign. The fact was, England didn't deserve to win and our failings rose at the beginning to the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign. McClaren was a bad choice as manager and I said months ago that I thought that we would fail to qualify.

There is nothing like going to an away game abroad. The travelling band of away die-hards are passionate and the camadarie special. I love mingling with the crowd and feeling part of a rebel pack!

And that Rooney gets everywhere...
Security was tight, even intimidating. At one point (not pictured) we had to walk through two rows of soldiers with unmuzzled Doberman dogs. Made me feel like I was walking into a Gulag.

I will have one rant though. I thought the attitude of the players at the end of the game was disgraceful. With the exception of Wayne Rooney, Paul Robinson and Steven Gerrard, none of the players turned and clapped, thanking the travelling fans for their support. It is a tradition and an important acknowledgement. They were too wrapped up in themselves and the thought of not going to the Euro Finals next year. Well you multi-millionaires, have you thought for one moment about how much of ordinary Joe Bloggs' wages have been spent to come support you?

Rant over!