Jill

Could've warned me to hold my belly in.

Haha good spot on the shoes.

Would appreciate a pickup from Gateshead.

Bye.

Good thing I'm just watching this to warm up for my AA meeting in a bit.

Surely you've just made those names up. They are legit members of the Northern Football Alliance Team Valley Carpets 2nd Division.

I'm fairly confident that in a few hours time the footballing highlight of my day will still be Burradon FC beating Cramlington United.

Utter dross. Missed the penalty fiasco as I had to pop out just before the end of the game but it sounds like it sums everything up. Shite players, no drive, no clue.

2-0 win. Clark & Muto.

I don't know why this mental image made me giggle so much.

Ah, so we've started off with one of those frustrating games where we expected to lose and did just that but could've had at least a point and end up pissed off with the outcome... how I've missed this. Plenty positives to take, mind.

Great effort everyone who went along.

I was angry last night but I just feel a bit despondent today, the old "stay in bed, drift away" mentality. It's the fucking hope that kills, as I've not felt so interested in England in years.

These past few weeks have been absolutely great, everyone united and having fun, people striking up conversations with strangers about the matches and the team, brilliant stuff and I've honestly felt like an 11 year old watching Euro 96 again. I'm really excited for the future. Also fancy Southgate a bit now so there's that as well.

France for me like. Off to stock up on baguettes.

Watched it in the local with half time vindaloo.

Agonising.

Waistcoat Wednesday. Sure wor lad's got one kicking around. Might wear it. Aye, my dad broke the tv remote.

That kit is a thing of beauty.

Would've rather had Russia but I'm not scared of Croatia. Reckon we can win. Proper positive.

Win 2-0. My fucking mate is at Ikea at the minute, I think we are disowning him.

I love this World Cup. I haven't given this much of a shit about England since '98 and it's a strange feeling. So many good matches though, mind not being at work currently means I've been able to see almost all of it.

It just feels like a chance in a lifetime for me: the draw will never be this generous again imo Exactly I, for the first time in ages, care about international football and a win today means more than just a game. The buzz, everywhere, will be epic. Feel the same way as joeyt In the same boat myself. I'm trying not to get hyped up but failing miserably.

Not had many bets this World Cup but had £3 on Uruguay 2-1 Portugal.