AT the time of writing the whole nation is at fever pitch, expectant, eager in anticipation, a few hours before Beckham and the Boys play their second match in Euro 2004.

There has already been pages of copy produced prior to this match along with post-match analysis of England's opener against France. Whatever the result against Switzerland England's exploits and those of the travelling fans are guaranteed to produce yet more acres of news print, either in praise or asking soul searching questions such as How? Why and Why not?

Yes, I hope England win this afternoon, indeed, along with the entire nation I hope they go all the way.

But I am much more of a cricket fan. Therefore, I would like to redress an unequal balance. On the afternoon of June 13 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, there was a historic sporting moment of mammoth proportions. Michael Vaughan led a victorious England cricket team to a whitewashing win against New Zealand. A great result indeed. Even greater when you consider that this was the England cricket team's first whitewash win for at least 26 years.

Yet, comparatively, this result drew little Press response. I would dare to say that, at the time of writing England's cricketers are playing better than their footballing counterparts. Surely it is time for the British press to reflect this?

NEILL CADMORE

Trowbridge