The Arsenal man was once again immense for England at the heart of their defence. He was everywhere.  Surely one man cannot be everywhere. He throws a huge spanner in the works of the phrase "you make your own luck".

What more does he have to do?

It was the quarter-final stage of the World Cup six years ago.  England were up against it with Argentina giving them much to think about. A winning goal from Sol was disallowed and England went out.

Then tonight, he was amazing yet again.  Sol's a big lad and nearly every home cross was beaten out by the number 6. If a Portuguese wanted to run the ball into the box, Sol was there and the danger was no more. 

And it didn't end there. When Portugal levelled England found something extra in their locker and it was Campbell who hit the back of the net, but once more his match-winner was ruled out for, well Urs Meier might be able to tell you that. 

Regardless of his heroics, and to a similar extent his Arsenal team-mate Ashley Cole who was awesome, Sol and England go out of the competition, on penalties, when they promised so much.

Heart-breaking.