Game 7: England 1 - France 1

Buoyed by the news of Oxlade-Chamberlain being preferred to Downing on the left, I settled down to watch this match, confident that England would lose and that there would be a gross media overreaction to that defeat, ultimately culminating in the usual tournament downward spiral. Positive outlook huh?

The first indication that things were not as they seem was in the national anthems. All eleven England players were singing the anthem. Even Cole and Young - who clearly struggled with the words - were giving it a blast. This was the first sign that something special could be happening.

And so to the match. It quickly established itself into the pattern that would remain. France with the lions share of possession, England menacing on the break. Milner could have given us the lead on 14, rounding the keeper but failing to finish from a tight angle on his left foot. The "two banks of four" (which is surely to become our trademark) held tight for another ten minutes before Lescott's perfectly shaped forehead nutted in the opener. I'm a big fan of scoring centre-backs, so well done him.

France naturally came back, and Nasri's finish was class, though his celebration not-so; I rather hope whoever knocks France out gives him a "sshh-celebration" in return.

The second half was one of the most tense I have seen. England tried heroically; got nothing from the ref, and gave it everything. Parker and Gerrard were totally destroyed by the end and the point was hard earned against  what in truth is a better side. I'm proud - and I really think the point will serve us well.