'You started it - you invaded Poland'

Cleese pleased to appease

We thought we were imagining things at first, but its true: John Cleese has written an anthem for the World Cup.

We wonder what the comedy actor's most famous creation, Basil Fawlty, would make of that, thinking back to his hilarious goosestepping scene in that feted Fawlty Towers episode, 'The Germans'.

Cleese's "peace bid" (Times) is three-pronged, as he takes an ambassadorial role "designed to encourage a World Cup free from xenophobia and bigotry".

Described by the Times as, in real-life, "an enthusiastic Germanophile", Cleese is also "starring in a comedy football film for German television, sponsoring a children's essay-writing competition called 'Don't Mention The War'" along with the song, downloadable from iTunes, according to the paper.

Praising German literature, music and science, Cleese is quoted saying how happy he is to help break down anti-German sentiment as promoted in certain areas of the tabloid press.

The Times adds that German TV, while not mentioning the war, of course, is mentioning the hotly-disputed third England goal from the '66 World Cup Final.

A programme, called "The Third Goal", attempts a hi-tech dissection of that goal - which, of course, quite clearly crossed the line.

Best not mention 1966 and all that, either, then.

Oh, go on, just the once.

All together now: 4-2!