This is what it's come to...

[One Wilf Copping]

The Germans today are showing profound sympathy and understanding for England's footballing plight. No jokes, no Schadenfreude just slightly bemused confusion that a great footballing nation could fall so far.

Embarrassed looks and glancing away whenever last night's results are discussed and then concerned comments about 'Yes, for sure, you English vill be very strong next time... Yes, Sterling seem good... and, ahem, yes, Sterling." Or, Schterleen as they seem to put in.

One even ventured the idea that Englland will still get out of their Group before going on a storming run all the way to the Final: 'Maybe you still get to Final, for sure, yes. Italia will win and then you get to Final maybe. You lose to Deutschland, of course, when you get there, but maybe ve zee you in Final, yes?" All this without even a hint of irony.

It's like the moment when Sir Fergiescum started being complementary about Wenger and what a good job he was doing at Arsenal.

Sadly, the Germans now view England as a kind of footballing domestic pet. They'd beat us if it came down to it if we progressed that far, but there wouldn't really be any pleasure about it.

[Sir Charlie of Nicholas]

It's not like there hasn't been time to address the issues.

[Classic Jorge]

[PSRB]

[Classic Jorge]

[One Wilf Copping]

In 1994 Germany had a terrible World Cup, so they decided to create new generations of skillful, creative midfielders, while still retaining all that traditional tactical awareness and work rate.

What happens next? An instant golden generation of Lahm, Schweinsteiger and Podolski etc followed by another golden generation with Müller, Özil, Kroos, etc.

They plan where they want to be in five years and ten years, make sure the coaches are trained to the highest possible standards and put the system in place.

We end up throwing away twice the money on half-arsed schemes that never deliver.

[Mack]

[Mo Britain less Europe]

Polish team who finished the world cup third and who rode their luck big time.

It was a shock not to qualify but in footballing terms this is worse.

[One Wilf Copping]

[Lar d'Arse]

qualifying was getting to the last 16 in the World. That seems pretty unlikely this time.

In 1994 qualifying meant the last 24 so arguably there has not been much progression by making it to the last 32 in the World in 2014.

[Luis Anaconda]

[Ashberto]

[Classic Jorge]

[Lar d'Arse]

[redgunamo]

Dashed clever though.