COME ON ENGLAND: OUR trip got off to a bad start when the car we had hired broke down 25km from Lisbon.

But even that couldn't dampen our resolve.

The sight of thousands of English cars proudly flying flags lifted our spirits.

On arriving at our hotel, we got a surprise we were sharing it with the Bulgarian squad.

We also bumped into Frank Lampard's dad Frank, the former West Ham player, in the hotel.

He was charming, and we posed for pictures.

Football fever filled the air.

The whole place was a swarm of English fans, decked out in flags and scarves and with painted faces.

We also saw around 100 Swindon fans.

The Brits easily outnumbered the French fans, but there was no antagonism, just a great atmosphere.

The stadium reverberated to the deafening roar of the national anthem.

I thought we had it in the bag during the first half.

We had a great view of Lampard's goal it was strange to think we had been chatting to his dad a few hours earlier.

During half-time, I just kept thinking. "Come back and finish the job off."

My heart was in my mouth as Beckham took his penalty.

A great shot, magnificently saved, which deflated the English crowd.

The rest of the game gave us chances, but France mowed them all down. If only Beckham had scored that penalty!

The mood was sombre as we left the ground, but I firmly believe we can still finish second.

I'm off to drown my sorrows.