With a nation this united, there's no way Southgate will be caught short

As a lifelong Rotherham fan, the years generally pass by unexceptionally. Hardship upon angst upon unutterable pain softened by fleeting dashes of abject mediocrity to occasionally lift the spirits and balm the soul. It's a predictable if none too uplifting existence.

But even we, courtesy of the FA's obsession with creating more and more opportunities for rubbish sides to get to Wembley, have had our days in the sun.

And none was sunnier than the 2014 playoff final defeat of Leyton Orient, a game which would have been remembered for Alex Revell's wonder strike had the then Millers' chief Steve Evans not completely stolen the big fella's thunder with a celebratory touchline charge of such groundshaking ferocity that it nearly cost him his trousers.

Evans took it all in good humour – but imagine if it happened to Gareth Southgate against Croatia. What would that do for the national mood?

And after the official unveiling of the Southgate tournament wardrobe - surely preferable as a pre-finals staple than the 'hit record' which, word has it, was going to feature Ozzy Osbourne, Marcus Rashford and Alan Carr doing a hardcore grime cover of Chas and Dave's Gertcha - a keen-eyed Bournemouth leather maker clocked that Southgate wasn't wearing a belt.

Fearing a repeat of The Evans Incident, our man from the Jurassic Coast quickly rushed one off to St George's Park, patriotically doing his bit and saving the England gaffer – and indeed the country – from a potential national indignity.

Is it any wonder we're second favourites for this bunfight with the country this united?

Not got a bet365 account? Sign up today and get up to £100 in bet credits

Up to £100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport