DoBelieveTheHype

I don't think anybody expects England to make finals to be honest - making two in a row is definitely performing above their baseline/expectations. Before this tournament we were discussing making the QF or SF as a good run. The same expectation at the world cup seems reasonable given we only got to the Quarters las time. I'm pretty Southgate has secured his spot to lead us into the next World Cup at the very least. He continues to perform above expectations, in large thanks to an incredibly talented group of players - but his success his evident. The 2016 Euros is the last tournament in which we lost to a team that didn't make the final. That's some record.

Looks like the pubs being open properly this time (rather than still having some social distancing as in 2021) and it being won in normal time has put a massive dent in the viewing figures. Down to 23.74m peak (compared to 30.9m for 2021). Definitely reflects the fact this felt like less of a big occasion than the 2021 Euros final.

Maybe have some empathy. There's a direct link between reported domestic violence and football matches, with reports going up if England lose. There's been a campaign running all tournaments around this to try and encourage women who are suffering to come forward.

And the wait goes on. 2026 World Cup anyone?

Another super-sub.

Suddenly looking like a very frantic England team here. Spain looking a lot more composed.

Has Pickford forgetting about distribution? Just hoofing it up the pitch with no good passes.

Is Rodri injured then? Wouldn't see him being took off otherwise? Southgate making no changes. FFS.

Has to be said, this match has been pretty rubbish so far.

That was a harsh yellow.

Looking like Spain all the way here.

Spanish win the anthems battle but will they win the football battle? God Save the Queen needs replacing by Land of Hope and Glory or Jerusalem

Let's be honest, if we win nobody is gonna remember/care how bad we were in the group stages in 58 years time. England drew their opening game in 1966 but nobody ever mentions that.

An innocent man has died, I'm not sure what exactly you find funny about that?

Since when did Three Lions get the parentheses (Football's Coming Home). Hate when they do this to songs unnecessarily.

One interesting thing - if we do win and Argentina win the Copa we could see the first England v Argentina match since 2005 played next year.

Farage is on Kuensburg this morning to discuss this - I thought he was boycotting the BBC?

I really think England are going to get found out against Spain. 4-0 or 5-0 to La Roja.

A massive clear out is needed for this show to become even remotely watchable again, sadly. The Leanne stuff is completely ridiculous.

ITV don't have the rights from 2025/26 - the season the majority of it goes to TNT Sports. The BBC are sub-licensing their games from TNT. It might be similar to how it used to be in terms of both TNT and the BBC having the rights but it leaves the BBC just 14 games and ITV none. It's a crap move and it undermines the FA Cup having so much on a paywalled channel.

Wasn't expecting to be the only voter for Iron Maiden - but it seems in line with the trend for rock bands not to pick up too many votes in this. My 30 pointer will have almost certainly have been picked by others. Not expecting to see that one for a while.

I suppose most people who watch football have a TNT Sports subscription due to them showing Premier League games and will at least get more for their money this way but as someone who really only watches the FA Cup and not much Premier League it's kind of annoying to see the cup go back to a subscription channel. Having it on BBC/ITV was the best option. Guess it's too expensive for ITV?

Just a reminder that this closes for votes next Friday at 23:59

Michael White has been kicked off the World Tour after being sentenced to three years in prison for assaulting his ex-partner. While I'm here: Overshadowed somewhat by the football Ali Carter won the first ranking event of the season at the Championship League back on 3rd July- I know nobody cares about it but it's a ranker for some reason so we might as well congratulate him on the win. The real first tournament of the season kicks off on Monday with the Shanghai Masters. Ronnie O'Sullivan is looking to defend his title at that one. The session starts times are 2:30am BST, 7:00 BST and 12:30 BST. A wildcard round will be played, followed by Last 16, Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and the Final on the 21 July.

Nice to see Marillion and Santana picking up votes. Both excellent bands.