The best is yet to come

To qualify for the tournament after such a dreadful start was an outstanding achievement. To defeat Germany 5-1 in Munich on the way to qualification was an occasion to savour.

And, while we are all disappointed to be beaten by Brazil, to finish as one of the top eight teams in the world is success beyond our wildest dreams of September 2000.

We hope there will not be too much long-term attention on the slip-up by David Seaman.

Before yesterday's match he was generally accepted as the best keeper in the tournament. One momentary lapse does not suddenly transform him into a bad keeper.

He is a fine player, who has served his country well over the past decade. It is to be hoped that he continues in international football.

It is important that, if he wants to continue playing for England, he should be still given the chance. It will be a pity if such a glorious career has to end in such an ignominious moment.

We have to accept that we were beaten yesterday by a better team.

But the mere fact we went into yesterday's game with a degree of confidence and hope that we may be crowned world champions demonstrates the giant progress English football has made since it was at the depths of despair at the time of Kevin Keegan's resignation.

The best is yet to come from this young team, still learning their way in international football. They will benefit greatly from their experiences in Japan.

We will embark on the European Championship qualifiers later this year, and the World Cup qualifiers in two years' time, with genuine expectation rather than hope.

On and off the field, our players have behaved impeccably, and have been a credit to their nation. Supporters, too, have played their part in restoring the tarnished reputation of English football.

We bid our farewell from the 2002 World Cup with little cause for despondency, but with great cause for celebration.