England are going to win this.

Well that was a bit too close for comfort. But, in fairness, they got the job done. Mind you - can you imagine the reaction but for one moment of brilliance that climaxed an agricultural last throw of the dice? Literally England’s last throw.

Kyle Walker’s old school re-start was desperate - but necessary. Bellingham’s finish sublime. And how Slovakia must be cursing themselves for a sloppy, panicked clearance in the direction of the corner flag - instead of a hoof to the half-way line.

If they get the ball away from their goal area they win the match. That’s how close it was. 

 If you’re English - who cares? Gareth Southgate’s team have to win this tournament now. They’ve got the smell of a team that will. There’s nothing left to beat in our half of the draw. Nothing. No team has had a draw like it since Euro 2020 was set up for England to win! So perhaps this time? It’s got to be this time. The stars are all aligning. 

Southgate’s only problem now is what to do against the Swiss. Does he go with the X1 that started Sunday, again relying on subs, or does he change it? We’d all make changes, but I’m not convinced he will. In truth - it shouldn’t really matter. Whatever team he puts out v Switzerland is better than their best. I expect another win, however they manufacture it. It’ll be an abject failure if they don’t. 

I hope Bellingham enjoyed his evening after the Slovakia game. The whole world is sitting up and taking notice of him now. Just a word of warning though Jude - don’t believe all the nice things that are being said. And remember this - when success turns a man’s head he’s facing failure. Be careful. 

This weekend was significant in the broadcast world because it marked the end of Clive Tyldesley’s time with ITV, although he’s not retiring - he’s made that very plain. He’s right not to because he’s got too much left to offer. 

I wish him well. I’ve known Clive since we were babies in the business at Liverpool’s Radio City. It was obvious to anyone that heard his commentaries in those days that he was destined for the top.

A piece by Thom Gibbs in The Telegraph at the weekend got me thinking. Gibbs ranked his top 10 commentators of all time - starting with Kenneth Wolstenholme at 10 and arriving with Barry Davies at No1. Strange - because Barry was never ranked No1 at the BBC, but these things are subjective. He had Tyldesley at No6. I thought ‘I’d have him higher than that’. So I had a go as well. 

I’d have Brian Moore at No6. I’m quite certain most people would have him higher mind you. Brian was class and also a very accomplished anchor but I think there was better. 

At No5 I’d go the afore mentioned Davies. He was ‘different’ and there’s a place for that. I think Jon Champion is a modern day version. Jon knows the value of silence - of letting a game breathe. Not every picture needs to be covered with words. 

It’s Tyldesley at No4. A terrific wordsmith as well as a very fine broadcaster. 

At No3 Motty. John was the the voice of a generation. Studious. Serious - although he loved to work that little chuckle into a performance. I remember him asking me once if I thought it ‘softened’ his commentaries. I told him it did but I’m sure he also asked most other people he knew as well. 

At No2 it’s David Coleman. What a voice. He was perfect for the big occasion. Like Moore - he could anchor shows as well. He was brilliant at that too. ‘1-0 - world class finishing’ he’d say. The reason for that was because when he was in his prime replay machines weren’t available to outside broadcast units. The replays were laid on in the studio when shows went to air. David wasn’t great at recalling how a goal was scored - so ‘1-0 - world class finishing’…..cut in the replay. 😂. Motson could recall every kick in the lead-up to a goal so could be more effusive. 

No1 is Martin Tyler. He re-wrote the commentators guide book. The number of games he covered and the intensity of his schedule set him apart. He was a fantastic ‘finisher’ - just like Coleman. The best. He’d find the right words - then shut up to allow Andy to take the first replay. The two of them were fantastic together. Real craftsmen. Longevity is also a factor in my decision. I think Martin covered the white horse final. 

There’s so many games today it’s difficult for the new breed to stand out. There’s some very good operators though. I like Sam Matterface and I’m a long time admirer of Peter Drury. As I’ve said, Champion is class as well. The other two stand out voices for me are Pien Meulensteen and Darren Fletcher. 

Keep it up guys - it’s a quality big six you’re aiming at.