Having taken the team to the Quarter finals in 1986 manager Bobby Robson took us to greater achievements in 1990. Italia 90 proved to be a wonderful celebration of football and it kicked off in spectacular fashion as African no hopers Cameroon beat power house Argentina in the opener. England found themselves in group F facing Ireland in the first match. Lineker scored in a 1 all draw. Another draw followed against Holland but things sparked into life when Wright scored the winner against Egypt to leave us top of the table.

In the round of 16 we arrived at an iconic moment for all England fans and David Platt. With the game against Belgium drifting into pens the ball was lumped in over the top and as it dropped over Platt's shoulder he managed to volley it straight in. Magical moments for any England supporter.

The Quarter final against Cameroon proved to be a nail biting experience. The might of England should have had enough to easily see this one through but at 82 mins we were 2-1 down. Panic and tension turned to celebration as Lineker turned home a pen on 83 and again in extra time. Country in delirium with Germany to come.

Everyone will remember where they were for the dramatic semi final. I was with a bunch of mates in the Witch Inn Lindfield where there was standing room only. All of us tanked up after leaving work at 5.

Roof comes off and beer goes everywhere as Lineker comes to the rescue on 80 mins sending the match into extra time and pens.

Unfortunately, pens went the way of Germany and sadly we were out. Country woke up to one almighty hangover.

For the record Germany went on to beat Argentina in a stogy final. Graham Taylor took over soon after charged with taking us to new heights in the USA 1994. It started well cruising against Norway at home in October 1992 however a Rekdal screamer turned the match into a uninspiring draw. From then on all England fans knew there was a battle on to qualify. Positive results followed and goals flowed, however a home 2 2 draw against Holland and unexpected and disappointing away reversal against Norway put us on the back foot. Games ran out and we were finally 2 points away from qualification.

Following 1974 and 1978 the country again had to sit it out in 1994.

Getting back to South Africa 2010 we are now 39 days and counting. My adventure started back on the 1st of January where all that was secured was a desire to travel. It has been a roller coaster ride so far and even though money has not yet been secured I am booked on British Airways on 25th June and have access to 5 tickets in 7 days (including England in round of 16 and quarter final if they win the group) floor space to sleep on and have access to a car. Debts are racking up £700 for flights (credit card) £350 match tickets IOU to my mate and possible another £600 needed for expenses. That's £1,650 needed very quickly.

I thought something was on this Saturday after betting £20 at 20/1 on Dick Turpin in the 2000 guineas with local jock Ryan Moore riding. With 100 yards to go it was leading but got mugged on the line by some french nag., Oh well