Mended metatarsals are right up there on the list of priorities but the news in this area does appear more promising so it would not hurt to have the backing of a higher authority. This is the view of the Reverend Ashley Evans, who is the Curate of Kington. Together with fellow curate and football fan Raphael Duckett, Ashley has recorded a special World Cup Sunday Service that is to be broadcast on BBC Hereford and Worcester this weekend. Walsall fan Ashley says he and Raphael felt it was a worthwhile project on a number of levels: | "I think their chances are quite good, but I'm not sure they're the favourites." | | Reverend Ashley Evans on England's chances in the World Cup |
"We both felt it was something worth having a go at; a service that all England football fans can relate to. "We've included some great prayers and music that hopefully will spur England on. Among the many highlights in the service is a tongue-in-cheek prayer that highlights the fears of many England fans; the grim reality that a certain south American country could be the most serious threat to any serious hopes of home success. Arise O Lord, and let not Brazil prevail over us Put them in fear, O Lord Rise up, O Lord; lift up your hand Confound the might of Ronaldo and Rivaldo And put Ronaldihno into confusion. O God, if nothing else, award us a dubiously offside goal in the last minute That the world may know that you are our God And through you we will triumph over all adversaries This time making it all the way through to the Final Even if it's on a Sunday and no-one will go to church. Amen. Ashley and Raphael then go on to suggest that, rather than asking if God is on our side, a better question would be whether we are on God's side. The Trinity Sunday service opens with Embrace's World Cup official song "World at your Feet" and also includes "Abide With Me"; the hymn traditionally sung prior to the FA Cup Final. Ashley Evans is reasonably confident of success for Beckham's boys but says there are several other sides in with a good chance of bringing home the Trophy: "I think their chances are quite good, but I'm not sure they're the favourites." Raphael feels it is England's best chance of winning the tournament since that memorable day at Wembley 40 years ago.
 | | Curates and football fans: Ashley and Raphael |
"I think they're going all the way this year, and I think it could be a 5-0 drubbing of Germany in the Final!" It could have been a case of mixed emotions for the football-loving curates; will the World Cup lead to a few members of their respective flocks going temporarily astray? Ashley is certain numbers attending services in his corner of north Herefordshire will hold up throughout the tournament although he has been checking the schedules for England matches to ensure there are no obvious clashes: "I think attendances will hold up; I think they did last time if I remember rightly, back in 2002. "As long as England haven't got any games on a Sunday morning or early on a Sunday evening I think we should be ok!" The Sunday Service will be broadcast on BBC Hereford and Worcester at 7 o'clock this Sunday morning. | 
