IN RESPONSE to Mr Mike Usherwood's letter about 'footing the bill for hooliganism' (Letters, May 11).

It is clear from Mr Usherwood's lack of appreciation of the "beautiful game" of football that he lacks any idea of the pride, sense of achievement and self-belief that sport can instil in a person and in a nation.

The World Cup he so readily slights...stands for national glory, a reason to be proud to be English and, for many, not to feel ashamed to shout this from the rooftops!

Wayne Rooney and others like him, with wealth most can only dream of, represent all that is great about Great Britain.

Mr Rooney has achieved worldwide recognition and status not through accident of birth, or privilege, but because he is extraordinarily talented.

Mr Rooney off the pitch may seem ordinary, shy and even unworthy of the god-like status heaped upon him.

However, for 90 minutes he displays more charisma, heart, passion and unquestionable loyalty than most politicians muster in a lifetime.

For such passion, and for the overwhelming happiness he brings to millions, Wayne Rooney deserves every penny he earns.

As for spending taxpayers' money, surely Mr Usherwood must accept that the loyal supporters of our national side are among those footing the bill.

I categorically support the decision to send our own police to Germany.

Not only will this ensure orderly conduct; it will also protect our supporters from rough treatment by foreign authorities.

Many English supporters have recently been the victims, not the instigators, of violence on foreign soil.

I am a proud Englishman who wholeheartedly supports any event which enables our great nation to feel pride in itself. Long may the flags of St George fly!

Mr J P Hartley,

Heworth Place,

Heworth, York.

Updated: 10:59 Tuesday, May 16, 2006