So with hindsight (and as England didn't win it) I'm happy to say that was probably

[Peter]

Yes. I'm also prepared to concede that England having a decent run gave it an extra piquancy it might otherwise have lacked.

I did think the Dutch thing was a shame, but the fact is that they're a bit dogsh1t at the moment.

I missed Italy's rank negativity.

[Burney]

I missed Italy's rank negativity.

I would argue that Italy's absence was a major factor in its watchability. I think they ought to be banned permanently from World Cups.