ENGLAND are assured of victory over Brazil in the World Cup quarter final tomorrow - as long as York fans remember to rub their lucky pennies, wear their lucky socks and kiss their lucky foreheads. Or at least that is what our selection of superstitious supporters believe.

This alone may not be enough, of course. So future Canon Precentor of York Minster Jeremy Fletcher has written a prayer asking God to intervene on England's behalf.

Meanwhile, Michael Mime is to watch the match lying on a bed of nails. We should hope - and pray - that neither he nor England are left with holes in their defence.

Updated: 11:33 Thursday, June 20, 2002