By Phil McNulty and Paul Fletcher
Our men in Portugal |
 England fans were on best behaviour in Coimbra |
England's fans were respectfully silent for a change during Switzerland's national anthem in Coimbra on Thursday. France's La Marseillaise was shamefully jeered before England's opening game in the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
It may well be that England fans had noted the threat of sanctions against the Football Association by tournament director Martin Kallen.
He said: "If necessary we can report this to Uefa's disciplinary committee, but we hope it will not come to this."
Long may it continue.
The English media fought out a creditable 2-2 draw with their Swiss counterparts in the searing heat of Coimbra before the full international. "England" deserve even greater credit because they were slightly out-flanked by the Swiss when it came to team rotation.
Our brave boys went into battle "down to the bare bones", as Harry Redknapp might say.
They had only 11 players to choose from one while the Swiss fielded at least 17 and made crucial substitutions to combat temperatures of 100 degrees.
Well done boys.
One man in particular looked thoroughly unimpressed by chants of "Are you Scotland in disguise?" aimed at Switzerland as England closed in on victory in Coimbra. That man was Berti Vogts, who moved through the packed press box to watch the action in Portugal.
Also spotted after the game was Wales manager Mark Hughes, no doubt keeping a close eye on England in readiness for the World Cup qualifiers.
Now then mate, hope you enjoyed the game.
Croatian legend Robert Prosinecki was wearing his heart firmly on his sleeve on Thursday. Prosinecki watched the 2-2 draw with France in the press box.
And while furiously chain smoking to calm his frayed nerves, the former midfield maestro made no secret of his passion for his country.
When Croatia took the lead he flew out of his seat and ran up and down the press box, arms pumping.
Who says footballers don't care?
Spain striker Fernando Morientes is refusing to be drawn on where he will play next season. The Real Madrid star spent last season on loan at Monaco, and his goals propelled them to the Champions League final.
He has also be linked with Chelsea and is not short of admirers should Real decide they don't want him back.
Asked by the press the other day where his future lies, the affable striker merely smirked and shrugged his shoulders.
A successful Euro campaign can do wonders for a player's career prospects. Sweden striker Henrik Larsson scored twice in his team's opening game against Bulgaria.
He is looking for a new club after playing his last game for Celtic.
And, following his exploits against Bulgaria, Larsson's agent Rob Janssen revealed that in the region of 40 clubs have expressed an interest.
MMIX
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