Hard not to hope auld enemy crashes and burns again

THERE is mounting evidence that this World Cup will be the most enjoyable ever for pathetic sporting bigots like me.

I don’t want to see England winning the trophy and I am certain that I have an overwhelming number of friends in the same low places. It is reprehensible, it is regrettable, but it is true. We should be thoroughly ashamed of ourselves. But we won’t be, will we?

For in addition to that perennial attitude of begrudgery towards our nearest neighbour when it competes in all international competitions from Eurovision upwards, there are additional hanks and kinks in this summer’s African spectacle which makes it doubly fascinating. It should indeed be the most enjoyable ever for the Irish.