World of despair - unless you sold flags

ONE bright spot for England fans on a morning of mourning - at least the fuel efficency will be back on track.
The thousands of mini-flags - flown from vehicles for the past month, and blamed for a slight rise in the amount of petrol it take to get from A to B - prematurely reached their use-by date at 6.30pm on Saturday.
While Sven is being made to take the blame for England's early exit, there is no doubting that the true success of the tournament has been those behind all merchandise red and white.
The simpest of designs, trademark-free, has been proudly and passionately displayed everywhere. And what a joy it is to see. The US love their stars and stripes, and for too long we seem to have been scared of associating ourselves with far-right extremists if we hoist the Cross of St George aloft.
On Saturday even my mum sported some red and white face paint to get behind the lads - though it was the smoke from the subsequent barbecue in her eyes rather than the result that made it run.
It was in the end, all rather predicatable, but at least we have identified a skill gap. Perhaps as an addition to the marvellous Centre for Assessment of Technical Competence – Humber (the CATCH chemical training centre to you and I at Stallingborough) we could set up a 12 yard stretch of land, a goal and a new degree in penalty taking.
Still, at least the home ground is coming on nicely - or not. Yet more delays for Wembley today in what has been a shambles of a project.
Across London Arsenal have their new stadium complete and ready for the new season, yet we will have seen four England managers in the time Wembley has hosted another game.
Maybe a lack of that feeling of homeliness was Sven's downfall!