On the eve of 2010 World Cup, here's the last of my reviews of past England World Cup exploits since we last won. Writing the articles has brought back a few really great memories but in the main a lot of frustration and anger has risen back to the back to the surface.

Sven Goran Eriksson took his squad to Germany for the 2006 World Cup in fine fettle after qualifying top of group six. Winning 8 out of 10 matches the only surprise was a 1-0 reverse in Northern Ireland.

For me and three buddies Germany was an interesting experience as we crisscrossed the country in our hired estate car. Tickets were very hard to come by but we managed to get three non-England group games.

It was hot and thirsty work but we certainly found the beer, fried potatoes and sausages to our liking.

England were drawn into group B with Sweden, Paraguay and Trinidad. First up a comfortable 1-0 win against Paraguay with them scoring an early own goal. Then followed an exotic Caribbean experience against Trinidad in Nuremberg. Making our way to the town square proved to be a bit of a trial as it was packed full of ticketless English fans. The combination of easy opposition, beer and lovely weather turned the place into a carnival atmosphere. However after 80 goalless minutes the place turned into a tense and seething cauldron. Wild celebration then suddently erupted courtesy of two late Crouch and Gerrard goals.

A 2-2 draw (Cole and Gerrard) against Sweden was enough to send us through on top.

South American Ecuador were the quietly dispatched 1-0 Beckham in the round of 16.

We then come to another disappointing episode in our history. After an entertaining 0-0 quarter final against Portugal it went to the dreaded penalty shootout. Not one, not two but three very experienced English players all missed handing Portugal the semifinal on a plate, Lampard, Gerrard and Carragher all guilty.

I have awful memories of storming out of the Font and Firkin in Brighton feeling very upset and angry.

Another World Cup failure.

Italy went on the take the cup beating France on penalties.

Since 1966 we have had some dark moments. Suffering the humiliation of non qualification to 1974, 1978 and 1994. Losing to West Germany after being two goals up in 1970. The "hand of god" in 1986. The disallowed Sol Campbell goal in 1998. The passionless second half display against Brazil 2002 and three missed penalties against Portugal.

Mind you, it is the great moments that keep you coming back to the World Cup. Who can forget the Gary Lineker hat trick against Poland 1986, David Beckham's penalty to beat Argentina 2002 and of course Bobby Robson's England during Italia '90?

As we go into another pulsating four weeks let's hope Capello can steer England to great moments right through to the final.