The future looks bleak for England, as this was almost cetainly the last time in my lifetime, that they could send a squad, which had a realistic chance of winning the competition. I don't know why, and no doubt they don't either, but they never found any rhythm and they never dominated a single game - not even against Trinidad and Tobago. They were completely outplayed by a Portugal side, which was considerably weakened by suspensions and injuries.               
England's outstanding players were all playing in their last World Cup - Beckham, Campbell, Owen, Gerrard and Lampard. There is no one of comparable quality coming through, although it is of small comfort that England's best performances generally came from their youngest players.
The cretinous decision to appoint an English coach to replace Sven Goran Eriksson will be rued for generations. Only the chiefs of the FA are stupid enough to believe that a team can win the World Cup by playing First Division football. England did not participate in the World Cup finals between 1970 and 1982. I can see a similar disaster looming.
In Germany, most people are delighted to see the back of this England side, who contributed so little to the competition. It is a day of rejoicing for those who dislike England and their satisfaction will be complete in view of the ignominious end of yet another poor challenge.