Euro 2008: Between a Rock And a Hard Place!

As I sit here typing, the opening game of the European Championships 2008 is underway, but to be honest, I'm not that bothered.

In a further revelation, I'll surprise you by admitting I'm not too sure who's actually playing! One of the host teams (Austria or Switzerland) against the Czech Republic, I think.

So why am I, an avid football writer and fan, just not that interested?

I suppose the first reason would be the non-appearance of my beloved Scotland. That isn't much of an excuse, though, considering I haven't had that privilege since France 98!

Maybe it was the disappointment of our qualifying campaign, narrowly missing out to the giants of France and Italy. A little bit of me still feels we deserve to be there, but as I always say, the table never lies.

One thing that does annoy me is the participation of two host countries among the 16 team field.

What's especially annoying is that neither team, in my humble opinion, would have qualified, had they needed to!

I know it's tradition that the hosts don't have to qualify, but in such a "small' event, it does have an effect.

My last reason for not being glued to the telly is simple, I'll miss England!

Honestly, why would I support any other country if they're not playing England?

Okay, okay, before the hate mail starts, I actually enjoy watching England play. Not to support them, but to see some of my favourite players cutting their teeth at international level.

It's great to see Dean Ashton, Phil Jagielka and the likes, pulling on their England jerseys.

Sadly, most of the team are like the majority of top footballers these days.

Overpaid, arrogant moaners.

I don't want to watch a tournament full of primadonnas!

Come on Croatia, come on the Czechs! Remind the world what football is all about.

Football is a team game. You can have all the money you want, but you can't win on your own! Any Greek will tell you that!

Okay, so maybe I am interested! I suppose it's "rant over" then...