And if so one of those uncomfortable but necessary sporting "lines in the sand".

RamUK, one of my best friends on this board, and off. Great guy, hearts in the right place. An outstanding individual you can only hope your daughter meets one day.

Then comes England vs Italy -

The metamorphosis is in your face obvious. RamUK - the enemy, low-life bottom dweller, unworthy of anything resembling cordial interface. So come game day, should it come to pass:

JamesJM - "Good luck Tim. No matter what the two teams have earned this championship". READ: "Hope you lose 50 to zip."

RamUK - "Same to you JamesJM". READ: "May your pasta be laced with the worlds most powerful laxative and the water to your home be shut off".

- JamesJM