Neil Bramwell Speaks Out - on our 4-0 World Cup defeat of Moldova

ON A highly-charged night of patriotic expression, three particular expressions stood out.

The first, and most poignant, was the collective Wembley expression of the national mood.

Glenn Hoddle can at least rest assured that if we do go on make it to France in June, there is likely to be an unprecedented patriotic surge.

Even the national newspapers are on a high and we are sure to bombarded by infantile euphoric hype until the Italy game.

That, however, makes a pleasant change from their infantile sniping.

The second expression to make an impression was that of Paul Gascoigne - and his double-chinned grin in particular. Gazza's brilliance has never been in question, but his fitness is still a major doubt. Gascoigne was 'blowing' after about 70 minutes last night against decidedly ropey opposition.

He went on to score from a late burst into the area, probably because the Moldovans thought he was already in the bar.

I remember Gascoigne during his peak at Spurs and Italia '90. He was lean and hungry, for football rather than beefburgers.

Good sides are always built on a strong backbone. With Shearer hopefully back, Paul Ince and Gascoigne running the midfield, and Gary Pallister and Sol Campbell a strong central defensive pairing, there is every reason for more than the typical blind optimism.

I am still to be convinced by David Beckham, but Hoddle has plenty of time for fine tuning. The England boss is clearly not scared of springing a few surprises.

And that brings me to the final - and lasting - expression of the evening. Graeme Le Saux - who left Ewood to enhance his international chances - did not appear to be enjoying the celebrations quite as much as the rest of his England colleagues after being dropped.

Maybe there is still time for him to apply for French citizenship!

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.