NOT for 30 years, not since that magnificent 1966 World Cup triumph, has the country been so united in national pride and in hope and expectation - as tonight at Wembley England's footballers embark on path to Euro 96 glory in their semi-final clash with Germany.

Who would dare predict the result? For this is a clash of titans.

England, revitalised and confident as the side has never been since that unforgettable final in 1966, have the look of winners. Germany have talent and a record of success - and have been steeled by the taunts hurled at them by our hot-head papers.

But if only a billionth part of the ocean of expectancy that has built up in the country now has an influence on the game, then England must have an advantage tonight.

For as those lionheart lads stride on to the field tonight in their unfamiliar grey shirts, they know that they carry with them all the nation's pride and support.

Yes, the England lion roars tonight as never in 30 years - from tens of thousands of voices in Wembley's cauldron and in front of 20million TV sets across the land.

Even those famed arch-rivals in the country's soccerdom - Blackburn Rovers and Burnley fans - are united in their hopes for victory.

Truly, England expects tonight. And because our boys know it, we are sure they will answer the call.

Oh, yes, here we go!

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