Dear Sir,

Please allow me just a little space in your newspaper to commend On the Bench host Nick Jones on his prediction with respect to World Cup Group C. He predicted that England and the United States would progress out of that group to the next round.

Well done Nick. Warm-up I am thinking about bringing you on! Sorry Dapo, Clyde and Jon sit tight.

However, what Nick did not foresee was the United States actually finishing on top of their group. Like Nick and probably most soccer fans I expected England to win it but I must say that the Americans thoroughly deserved that honour.

They work extremely hard and play with that- 'never say die spirit' epitomised by their famous fight for freedom during the American Revolution. It is just so unfortunate that they have been drawn against my team, the Black Stars of Ghana, but they have had a good run.

Meanwhile, England face Germany in their next match. This has got to be one of the greatest rivalries in football history and with all to play for, this game should be a cracker but to be honest I think the odds are against England.

On the whole I have enjoyed the games and although I am disappointed that most of the African teams have been sent packing already I have been impressed with what I have seen from the South Americans. Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina in particular have been fantastic. The up-coming matches promise to be even more interesting!

RECMAN