Thoughts on the Euros, Test and Tour

England beat Netherlands courtesy of a late outstanding goal by Ollie Watkins and some favourable refereeing.

Many of us watching were surely baffled by the first half decision to award a penalty after a vigorous but seemingly fair challenge by Denzyl Dumfries on Harry Kane.

In the second half, too, England were awarded some distinctly dodgy free kicks. Still the much-maligned Gareth Southgate has managed his resources well as the subs and replacements – Watkins, Toney, Konsa, Shaw – have all made an input and the performance levels risen.

This – and the semi-final between Spain and France – were both highly watchable.

Spain have unearthed a rare prodigious talent in 16 year old Lamine Yamal who overshadowed Kylian Mbappé who, like most superstars, seemed to have an unhealthy say in how the team should play.

Ronaldo is another.

At the cricket Gus Atkinson’s 7 wicket haul overshadowed Jimmy Anderson’s retirement.

The media always make the comment that Jimmy Anderson is shy but he just seems rude to me and, although he has taken many wickets in his long career, only looked really dangerous in English, seam, conditions.

I am sure that if Fred Trueman, Bob Willis or John Snow had played a similar number of Tests they could have reached that total too.

Mention must also be made of another high-achieving English sportsman about the same age as Jimmy Anderson, namely Mark Cavendish, who in this tour overhauled Eddy Merckx’s total of 35 stage wins.

Cav is essentially a sprinter, which requires great courage, but does mean he is at a loss in the mountain stages. From the first week of this Tour Tadej Pogacar, who can and does master every aspect of cycling, has dominated and looks set for the yellow jersey in Nice.