Talking of football ..

This month we discovered Anthony Middle, head of corporate partners at Axa, was once manager, chairman and captain of 'his' football team. The team managed to climb seven leagues before being disbanded after it could not afford to pay its fines!

Talking of football, at Professional Broking we are looking forward to the World Cup and here are some predictions from our panel of experts (well, people who work in public relations), who we asked, "Who is going to win the World Cup?"

Jon Clements of Staniforth, representing Norwich Union, believes Brazil will win. He commented: "I know it is not patriotic but I'm realistic."

Simon Kutner of Royal & SunAlliance also thinks it will be a win for Brazil.

Meanwhile, Chris Pitt at Ecclesiastical thinks home advantage will spur Germany to success.

Lillian Lazarevski, representing Fortis, and Susannah Mogg of Zurich are another pair of backers for the Brazilian team.

Anthony Arthur, on behalf of Equity, reckons England will be victorious.

Mark Bishop at Allianz Cornhill commented: "Brazil has such a great track record that they must start as favourites. England has a chance but I fear we will fall short of the ultimate prize but I sincerely hope I'm wrong."

Lesley Russell, representing Link/Zenith, said: "England of course! Naturally I expect to see several pigs flying over Berlin on 9 July as Wayne Rooney finally makes an appearance at the tournament and scores the winning goal."

Stephen Muir at Axa believes Argentina will lift the crown.

Dina Shoukry from Fishburn Hedges, and representing Hiscox, says England will conquer the world.

Meanwhile, Unni Schmidt from NIG also thinks Argentina will prevail.

Eileen Mercer from Marsh and north of the border is supporting England, though she was surprised at being asked.

Sebastian St John-Clarke at Aon replied: "I genuinely think England are going to do it this year - 40 years of hurt and all."

Meanwhile, a straw poll at PR agency FWD favoured Italy, although we felt they took the task a little too seriously when they replied: "What is your timing on this?"

Last word to Marc DonFrancesco, group head of marketing at Towergate, who said: "England of course, but if not, the land of my ancestors Italy - as long as they are not spending the whole game rolling on the floor."

The final takes place on Sunday 9 July at the Olympiastadion in Berlin; kick off 7pm. Let's hope England is involved!