For the last two weeks, I have been avidly watching Stuart Pearce’s England U21 side in the European U21 European Championships.

They have been doing very well of late, and I have been happy to report good things to friends, colleagues and anyone else I can get to listen to by inane drivel.

The England babbies played Sweden in the semi final this evening. All was going well at half time – England winning 3-0. I even muttered the words which no football fan should ever say “nothing can go wrong now”…

45 minutes later, England had let in 3 goals and were looking defeat and a trip back home, straight in the face. I was not at all pleased, but strangely not at all surprised.

After a tedious 30 minutes of extra time, it was a penalty shoot out. This caused memories of 1996, 1998, 2004 and 2006 to come flooding back – not to mention numerous disappointing shootouts involving Bath City and Leeds which I have had the displeasure of watching.

In a state of despair, I did something I have never done before. I turned the TV off. I walked away from the laptop. I set the mobile phone to silent. I then did the washing up and got changed. When I returned, some 8 minutes later, I was delighted to see England had won!

I have NEVER seen England win a shoot out (for some reason, I can’t remember the 1996 Spain game), but have seen far too many defeats on penalties. I now hold myself solely responsible – Pearce, Southgate, Batty, Beckham, Vassell… you are all forgiven – it wasn’t your fault.

Therefore, from now on, every time England find themselves in a dreaded shootout (which they will), I have no choice but to leave the living room/pub/ground where I am watching the match, and hope and pray England win – which they will, as I am a jinx and will not be present.