The senior players – Beckham, Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand – have to go to Sven and say : “Frank and Stevie can’t play together, it’s not working.”

OK, Sven qualified for 2002 and 2004 and 2006, but any one of 100 coaches in world football could have done that with England’s resources.

Sven invests huge faith in his icons : Beckham and Owen. He worships his icons.He worships Michael and he worships David.

Last night Ronaldo knew they did not want to pass to him. So he did not make runs. And since he did not make runs, they did not pass to him.

Thierry Henry needs Arsene Wenger in the dressing room with him before the game.

Ronaldinho said he creates a mental picture, imagining new plays, and playing to a colleague’s particular abilities.

The USA were predictable, pedestrian, no match for the Czechs who demonstrated method and flair in equal measure.

Playmakers like Figo and Riquelme, who can slow a game down as well as speed it up, are still needed, as football becomes ever faster, more intense, more organised, more robotic.

Jens Lehmann was not to blame for either goal. Exposed by a negligent right back who played Paulo Wanchope onside, Lehmann stood his ground and gave himself a chance.

Being outside the press box and the etiquette, Pete Davies brought a fresh eye to the whole circus. His feelings were more “Crikey!” and “Gosh!” and “Wow!”, more like a fan’s reaction.