When France last hosted the Euro finals 32 years ago, the tournament was smaller (eight contestants) and shorter (15 days) than the forthcoming 24-team, four-week marathon.

GREETINGS from Lyon where, as I write on a Tuesday morning, the Rhone is sparkling in warm spring sunshine, the first aperitif of the day is agreeably enlivening, and we are still chuckling over the spiking of the Gunners on Saturday.