I GOT into football after the 1966 World cup, at the age of 10. Since then, I’ve had to endure 21 tournaments that have ended in English disappointment, at best, or, at worst, agonising pain – and they are just the ones we qualified for!

Just why do we have to suffer this pain, year after year, as overpaid prima donnas struggle to fulfil even a fraction of their potential?

To blame the coach is just another cop-out – although I’m no fan of his tactics, team selection or motivational skills.

Surely, any player who is honoured to wear the national shirt should perform to a high standard – and with passion and commitment – whoever the coach?

The same players who grace the Premier League – the best league in the world – would seem to regard their accountants as the most important people in their shallow lives.

If a coach like Argentina’s Maradona can command respect from his squad of players, after using 80 players in a stuttering qualification campaign, how come our top players cannot afford the same respect to one of the top coaches in the world?

We tried McClaren and Sven, and now Mr Capello is floundering.

Why? Who next? Do we just keep the status quo and move onto hopeful success or more misery in 2012?

It’s obvious things aren’t right in the England camp, and I feel a total revamp of national thinking is required.

Get rid of the ‘old guard’ and start afresh with players who want to perform for their country.

Let’s look towards a complete overhaul of the national squad.

Finally, while we go back to work, and the England players head off for a well-earned break, just maybe their conscience will allow them to recompense the poor fans, who spent thousands to watch the garbage they served up.

Apparently we are all in this credit crunch period together. But paying back the loyal supporters who made the costly trip to South Africa, would go some way to saving their faces. However, I wouldn’t hold your breath!

Tim W Siret Millmoor Crescent Eynsham