Well, kinda'...

‘England labour to opening victory’ puts it just about right.

A superb start forcing an own goal in the third minute. Pressure throughout the first-half and a goalie-substitution should’ve really killed the Paraguayans off, but credit to them, they dug their heals in. Shame really that the second half was a rather limp England performance; pegged back in our own half and rarely making any meaningful forays out from there.

The England team sounded somewhat disappointed in the post-match interviews, Beckham especially summing up the mood; disapointed but emphasising that the 30deg heat really sapped them towards the end. The Paraguayans simply coped better in the sweltering conditions.

Historically England often to make slow starts to major tournaments, and the 14:00 kick-off on a scorching day clearly did us no favours. The next two matches kick-off at 17:00 and 20:00 (CET) respectively; doubtless in the cooler conditions you’ll see a more composed, clinical England performance.

I was rather lucky to see the match in fact, seeing that I was rota’d for this Saturday and swapping match-day with someone was practically impossible. I did however charm the boss into letting me put some extra-time in (ahem) and taking an extra-long lunch hour. Cometh the hour I promptly marched straight out of the shop, down the street and over to the nearest sports bar. Managed to squeeze in, grab a drink and find a corner with a decent view (not too hard with 15 plasma screens dotted around the walls). There’s something to be said for watching major games in bars – boy, the atmosphere!

Apologies to any ‘international’ fans I implored to see the match (you know who you are) who may have been a little underwhelmed. Stick with England, there’s a long way to go yet.

A win is a win...

But get your fingernails on standby.

And some point in this tournament, you will need them.