will all this rain improve England's chances of winning the world cup.....?

that's a tough one, al.

I believe not. Germany will win. they always have a good team and being the home side is a definite advantage.

there's optimism and there's desperation....having seen the atmosphere in Cologne, and presumably thing are hotting up even more than when I was there. I can appreciate your situation.

but you need some British phlegm, in this situation. if anything good happens - it will be a nice surprise. But don't waste any money betting on a surprise.