My extended break allowed me to ponder such deep questions as who do the English national team fans most remind me of (in American sports)? Well I have to say they are a combination of Cubs fans, Cowboys fans and Notre Dame football fans.
And don't misconstrue this since I love the Three Lions but the way they get way too high over a win and similarly way too low over a loss is quite reminiscent of our most bandwagon teams' fans (mentioned above).
That was a long-winded and random introduction to the news that England's coach Fabio Capello confirmed that he'll retire after Euro 2012.
England has looked good in Euro qualifiers this past week: beating Bulgaria 4-0 behind Jermain Defoe's hat trick and Switzerland 3-1. I would have written about those wins but I mean really, are they noteworthy?
Capello's contract ends after the tournament in two years' time, or earlier if England should fail to qualify, by which time he will be 66.
Speculation had been mounting the FA would be forced to end his £6million-a-year deal prematurely after a terrible World Cup but England's flying start to qualifying for Poland-Ukraine 2012 has made Capello comfortable to confirm he will see out his contract and then call it a day.
England's impressive victories over Bulgaria and Switzerland raised the possibility that Capello could consider another World Cup at the England helm to right some of the wrongs of South Africa.
But asked whether he would be finishing up after Euro 2012, he said: "Absolutely, yes. We have to qualify first of course but after that I will be too old. I want to enjoy my life as a pensioner.''
Meanwhile, Capello has hinted that Steven Gerrard could take on the captain's armband permanently. The Liverpool skipper took on the role when Rio Ferdinand, himself John Terry's replacement, suffered an injury before the World Cup which ruled him out of the tournament.
Gerrard has thrived as captain post-South Africa, playing a leading role in his preferred central midfield role. When asked whether Gerrard had done enough to get the job full time, Capello clearly didn't want to upset Ferdinand but he refused to rule anything out.
He said: "Is there another question? For me, the performance of the player is important, not the armband. It is not a priority for me. It is more about the players, the performance, the next game. Another question, please."
Capello was happy to discuss Gerrard's performance in midfield, where the injured Frank Lampard's absence has forced a reshuffle that has brought more balance to England's engine room.
Capello said: "I am playing him like a midfielder and, this season, he has started playing fantastically."
I'm going to take a wild guess and say England qualifies for Euro 2012, only to choke in it.
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