On side: England's best showing in a European Championship came in 1996, when there was a measured and enjoyable attitude towards the team

San Diego psychologists gave their subjects 12 short stories and in every single case those armed with a plot spoiler preferred the experience. They were less anxious about the eventual outcome and could therefore enjoy the detail of the story itself.

 Let’s do the same with England at Euro 2012. There are two realistic plotlines. Either England perform with style before they are knocked out in the quarter-finals; or they bore everyone rigid before they are knocked out in the quarter-finals.

 Now that we know how this all ends, pass the popcorn and let’s enjoy it.

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