I know most England fans won’t agree but I’m bloomin delighted with England’s draw! I finish my cycle tour in Manaus and then England’s first game v Italy is also there on 14th June – perfect (plus saves me buying an extra internal flight!). What a party there’s gonna be in the heart of the Amazon when the English and Italians arrive!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1tj2zJ2Wvg
And then we go to Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte which are relatively easier climates and relatively close together (that’s relatively in Brazil terms). Then I predict England will finish second in Group D which means our Second Round game will be at the Maracana in Rio!!! Love it.
& the other big news…
My brother Martin has booked his flights to come and join me for the last stage of the cycle tour!!! So that’s just a 900-odd mile, 18-ish day cycle along the north coast from Fortaleza to Sao Luis to Belem followed by a 5 day boat trip up the Amazon River to Manaus followed by large celebrations and the World Cup! Happy days.
The Smudger brothers
