The England boss

Spot on Swanny. Gareth Southgate has been a revelation as England manager, but he’s also been very lucky. His problem might come in the next big tournament as England will be expected to win the Euros in 2020. Good luck to him though. He’s been a breath of fresh air after Sam Allardyce and co.

Brian Greatwood.

Belgium were the international equivalent of Spurs. They were bound to blow it after getting into a great position.

@paul_gauntlett

I dread to think what will happen to some England fans when we play a decent side. Sweden were as bad as Colombia. @It’scominghome Gareth Southgate has inspired

Wonder where Harry Maguire will go next? He’s outgrown Leicester City. @ChestneyS

Ringers and pros have ruined local cricket.

@wackerlegend.

Best English player for me at the World Cup has been Kieran Trippier. The worst of those who have played has been Kyle Walker, who is playing badly out of position.

Geoff Gardner

Bournemouth’s penalty for breaking financial fairplay rules should be demotion back to the Championship.

@Poshboyblue

Save Joe Root for the Tests. He’s our only hope against India. @John_lamin Gareth Southgate has even made waistcoats cool. That alone makes him a hero, but his management of England has also been magnificent. He really is a hard man to dislike and trust me I’ve tried. It’s my default position for any new England manager. Articulate, intelligent and he’s winning games. What a man. England captain Joe Root (above) needs saving from himself. He’s the best Test batsman we have, but the shorter forms of the sport have left him behind. Sadly 50-over cricket and 20-over cricket have become power games and Root is so unsuited to that. I wouldn’t play him against India until the proper cricket starts later thissummer. His ego (and an understandable wish to take his share of the huge financial gains available in T20 cricket) has to be ignored for the good of the country.England are going to be up against it against Virat Kholi. The only downside from this glorious weather is the conditions turning too far in favour of the tourists. They will love the heat. Their batsmen and spinners will prosper. We need Root 100% fit and firing to have any chance.

NOT REALLY A FAIR PUNISHMENT

Bournemouth were fined just under £5 million for breaking financial fairplay rules while still in the Championship. As the club are owned by a multi-billionaire, sign players for £20 million despite home gates of just 11,000, it’s not really a punishment at all. Bournemouth, who are managed by Eddie Howe (above) apparently didn’t knowingly break any rules, but with the riches available in the Premier League this is a green light for others to try just that.

NOT REALLY A FAIR WAGE

So Gary Lineker is paid £1.75 million a year by the BBC for reading an autocue, waving his arms around and talking about his own distant playing career at every opportunity. No wonder he looks permanently smug.