On Saturday, England play their first match in Euro 2016, in which Wales and Northern Ireland are also involved. Like millions of others, I will watch England’s matches. It is still just possible to believe that these overpaid young men are playing for their country.
Until the inevitable defeat we will be carried along by patriotic fervour. But I know in my heart that money has ruined the game, and that the values of modern football are corrupting our children and our culture.