5th, July, 2021. 111th to 114th day of isolation.

Despite all that is going on with Brexit or the pandemic, the last few days have, more or less, been dominated by successful English sportsmen and women.

You would have to have been locked in a very deep dungeon not to be aware of the England football team. After their 2-0 success over a dangerous German team, they followed it u on Saturday with what turned out to be a powerful performance and 4-0 win over The Ukraine. Apart from a nervy period in the latter part of the first half, England were always in control. Four stunning goals from Kane (2), Maguire and Henderson, are worth watching again and again. They now face Denmark on Wednesday and they will be a more difficult proposition than the Ukraine. However, with fantastic players in the whole squad, Gareth Southgate, the manager, has a wealth of talent to draw on should he need it. With only a few readers of this blog, I am happy to predict a 3-1 win for England.

In Tennis we have a new, potential superstar in Emma Radacanu who won on Saturda against an opponent ranked 300+ places above her. Today her challenge was also huge. Too much in the end. She had stomach problems and was clearly exhausted. one for the future I think. She is only18 and will be back.

Lewis Hamilton could only manage 4th place in Sunday’s F1 Grand Prix but the season is only halfway through and next week is the British race and Hamilton always does well at Silverstone so I expect fireworks.

Happy Birthday to the NHS which started in the year I was born, 1948. I have early memories of going to the Anlaby Village Hall/Church Hall for orange juice which was a cordial I think and came in a flat botttle with a cork top. It was probably for Angela who was born in 1950 so it will gave been about 1951/52. I have certainly used the NHS as much as any average Brit over my 72+ years and their work over the past 18 months has been exceptional so getting the George Cross from the Queen is well deserved.

Boris has announced that most restrictions will be lifted on 19th July. I’m not sure it is the right time. I for one will continue to wear a mask as I do now. Shops, public transport, public events yet to come and so on. I have had my jabs so travel abroad may be an option soon. If we can go to Romania or Germany, we will! I think the figures are positive despite the rise in infections. deaths are still “negligible” and most admissions into hospitals are people who have not had vaccinations. These may include some anti-vaxxers so I hope they are being charged. Fat chance!