Madam, - The British media's exaggerated expectations for the English team divert the support of many Irish people away from our neighbour and closest football ally. However, RTÉ is now providing the antidote to tabloid hype. England played poorly for most of their match against Trinidad and Tobago last Thursday, but Dunphy & Co's criticism was monotonously overdone: it wasn't just that England were performing badly; they were incapable of ever doing anything right.
When, inconveniently for the panel, England scored two fine goals late in the game, the pundits had by then painted themselves into such a corner that they were unable to acknowledge the quality of the scores. Net result: I'm now supporting England! - Yours, etc,
HUGH LAVERY, Southwood Park, Blackrock, Co Dublin.
Madam, - Why watch a handful of old grumps talking down every major football tournament, with cantankerous Eamon, face like a Monaghan country road, one arm back, half-retreating into his cushy seat, his body language suggesting he doesn't want to be there in the first place, grumbling and niggling, whingeing and whining, sour grapes, eh? Why bother indeed, when you can join Lineker, Hansen, Shearer and co commentating on the very same matches, enjoying themselves, laughing, having fun and finding the World Cup fantastic? - Yours, etc,
ANJA NOHLEN, Scotstown, Co Monaghan.
Madam, - As an Englishman living in Ireland and married to an Irish lady I cannot understand the support given by most Irish people to any team that plays England. We English always support Ireland when they play other teams at soccer or rugby. While I understand the historical issues between our two countries, isn't it about time Irish people forget the past and supported their neighbours?
It seems incredible to me that soccer fans in Ireland support Premiership teams like Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal, yet when players from these teams don the English jersey, they cheer for the opposing team.
Come on Ireland, forget the past and shout for England. - Yours, etc,
NEIL JOHNSON, Stillorgan, Co Dublin.