The inaugural Star Sixes tournament at the O2 Arena was so good that it might well have rendered professional 11-a-side football redundant.
Perhaps that’s the lack of Premier League football talking, but watching ex-international footballers play 6-a-side in a fast-paced competition is hard not to enjoy.
The first goal of the tournament was scored by none other than Michael Owen, and while England lost their group opener 4-1 to Spain, Owen’s goal was a welcome throwback.
The historic first goal at #StarSixes last night was scored by @themichaelowen, but his England team lost out 4-1 to #Spain #ENGSPA pic.twitter.com/QO0F7hGM4F
— Star Sixes (@StarSixes) July 14, 2017
Brazil were about, and brought some talent in the form of Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos and Gilberto Silva.
Of course, there was a bit of this…
Let's just take another look at this from Djalminha earlier today #StarSixes pic.twitter.com/MNkumed9TR
— Star Sixes (@StarSixes) July 15, 2017
… but more importantly, this. Hopefully the tournament organisers had net insurance.
That's why he's the Beast! @J_Baptista81 makes it 2-0 to Brazil #CHNBRA pic.twitter.com/Xi8NPqyxGB
— Star Sixes (@StarSixes) July 14, 2017
For Spain, whether it’s at youth or veteran level, tiki-taka carries on.
Spain are first up tonight, and they've already done this today… #StarSixes pic.twitter.com/Vn44hsqJU1
— Star Sixes (@StarSixes) July 15, 2017
But they weren’t the only ones – here’s Scotland putting their own spin on things.
Scotland are @Burchyboy27 puts the finishing touches on a sweet Tartan Army move #StarSixes pic.twitter.com/qOFzyBQj2U
— Star Sixes (@StarSixes) July 13, 2017
And have you ever seen anything like this from England?
It was Scotland last night, but tonight it's England playing tiki-taka football, as @themichaelowen nets his second #ENGSCO #StarSixes pic.twitter.com/SOmUBv7iLZ
— Star Sixes (@StarSixes) July 14, 2017
Of course, England exited at the quarter-final stage. The Danes were a very impressive team though, as is evidenced by this fine Chris Sorensen goal.
He's got a foot like a traction engine! Chris Sorensen belts one past David James to give the Danes the lead #DENENG #StarSixes pic.twitter.com/PfgXiOySwG
— Star Sixes (@StarSixes) July 15, 2017
In the end it was France who won the thing, beating Denmark 2-1 in the final.
@piresrobert7 lifts the #StarSixes trophy as France are crowned the first-ever champions!! ???????????? pic.twitter.com/ksgrFApL65
— Star Sixes (@StarSixes) July 16, 2017
Now, time for a review of England’s quarter-final exit.
Four minutes away from a root-and-branch review of England's indoor veteran football system
— Adam Hurrey (@FootballCliches) July 15, 2017
Everyone back to St George’s Park for a meeting. Now.