DESPITE not being a big football fan, I did watch the England/Croatia semi-final and can understand the disappointment felt by so many – not least the England players themselves.

But they fought a good fight throughout the tournament and should feel proud of what they achieved and are deserving of the nation’s admiration and respect.

However I do wish certain elements of the media would refrain from using the word ‘heroes’ when referring to football players and other athletes – it only devalues the word. It should be reserved for those really deserving of the accolade – such as, for example, the British cave divers who risked their lives helping to rescue those boys trapped in a cave for three weeks in Thailand.

ROBERT READMAN Noriwch Avenue West, Bournemouth