We've seen it all before. English players, fans and media arrogantly presuming they have a right to win trophies when they are just simply not good enough. The difference this time that it wasn't a Germany or an Argentina or a Brazil - it was Iceland. But it was an Iceland who had shown more teamwork, passion and determination (and let's not forget about skill) than the representatives of supposedly the best league in the world.
England had actually got the best possible start with Rooney scoring a penalty in the fourth minute after Raheem Sterling has been upended by Halldorsson. This should have been exactly what England needed and a body blow for Iceland but just 34 seconds later they were level.
If England had bothered to study Iceland's tactics they would have known that a long throw into the box was one of their many strengths. But Gunnarsson's throw was flicked on easily while Walker lost Sigurdsson in the box where he calmly side footed it past Hart in goal.
England carried on as before and played with confidence if not much drive and found themselves behind just 12 minutes later. Some nice interplay on the edge of the box was not closed down by a static English defence and Sigthorsson took a couple of touches to work some space before shooting. Joe Hart made yet another crucial error and it was 2-1. Nothing more than Iceland deserved and the beginning of the end for England.
Maybe England thought that Iceland would sit back and defend their lead but they were mistaken if they believed their opponents would show the same lack of imagination. England got worse and worse and it quickly became obvious that if anyone was to score again it would be Iceland.
Roy Hodgson had made some strange selections and his belief in Sterling and Kane, in particular, was left wanting. Rooney continued his amazing loss of form and it was not a surprise when he was subbed off - only a surprise that it took until the 86th minute for it to happen.
England looked totally devoid of ideas while the Icelandic team showed time and time again how much more they were willing to put in to get the result they craved. Even towards the end of the match Iceland were pushing forward - with two strikers - trying to get that third goal.
It is not surprising that England went out. It is surprising that their fans were duped once again into thinking that they had a chance of going far in a major competition.
The first game of the day was a match up between two of the sides that had really performed in the group stages. Italy had shocked everyone by beating Belgium in their first match and then topped the group with some more convincing displays.
Spain had looked good against the Czech Republic and Turkey before losing to Croatia. But even that late winner from Perisic hadn't seemed to take the shine of what looked like a very accomplished side with Alvaro Morata looking to come to the fore up front.
But one of the first rules of international football is to not rule out Italy. Supposedly their worst squad for 50 years, this group of players seem to thrive on the insults thrown their way and totally dominated the first half and deservedly went ahead just after the half hour. A free kick from Eder was only parried into the path of Giaccherini, and the captain Chiellini finally poked the ball home to put the Azzurri one up.
Italy were looking very good and Eder in particular was having a field day making Gerard Pique look like a pedestrian. Italy were on top in all areas of the pitch and it was only thanks to De Gea that they didn't go further ahead.
The second goal eventually did come in injury time as Pelle once again volleyed in from close range. Italy showed what has been a common theme in this tournament - teamwork and togetherness - and that is what took them through to the quart finals where they will meet Germany.
Other things I noticed yesterday...
- ITV are terrible at the best of times but their patronising attitude towards Iceland was beyond belief. Mark Pougatch even asked his fellow 'pundits' at half time whether Joe Hart should be dropped for the quarter final. England were 2-1 down at the time
- It's hard to single out any England player but Harry Kane was especially poor and it will be interesting to see how he comes back after this next season
- Watching the highlights show it was refreshing to see Alan Shearer actually ripping into England's abject performance. I wonder whether he'll do the same to Premier League sides on Match of the Day next season?
- For an Italian defender Chiellini loves getting forward
- There was a lovely range of managerial cagoules on show in the Spain v Italy match
- Why couldn't Spain wear their red kit? (as much as I did like their second strip)
- Before the tournament many Italians didn't like the idea of Brazilian-born Eder being in the squad. Wonder what they think now?
No more games until Thursday now when the quarter finals start. If you're very lucky I might have something for you before then though. You have been warned.
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