THE 2010 World Cup will be remembered for the way it has illuminated the remarkable story of South Africa, and the enormous strides that nation has made under Nelson Mandela.

But as a festival of football, it will be remembered as a disappointment, with too few moments of inspiration.

England’s World Cup team of 2010 will, of course, be remembered as a particular disappointment, and the worry is that it is difficult to see where the improvement is going to come from.

With the Premier League stifling home-grown talent, when again can England expect to be genuine contenders for major honours?

Sadly, the image we will remember most from England’s dismal campaign is the ‘goal’ that never was – Frank Lampard’s shot that everyone watching saw was a yard over the line, apart from the referee and linesman.

If there is a consolation, it is that the injustice suffered by England now seems destined to be the catalyst for much-needed change.

Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke yesterday described replays of the ‘goal’ as a “bad day” for tournament organisers, and revealed that this is poised to be the last World Cup under the existing refereeing system.

After years of stubborn resistance, Fifa is finally looking to the use of technology to help ensure correct decisions.

At long last – years after rugby, cricket and tennis – football is waking up to the modern age.

England may not have lifted the World Cup, but it appears we may have won an important victory for common sense.