The rain started in the morning in Rio and it never stopped.

Whether it was sent to make the England fans feel at home or as a metaphor for the sorrows later to be drowned we can only guess, but the miserable weather brought with it another miserable England World Cup performance.

A bit of rain wasn't going to dampen any expectations and the thousands of travelling fans who gathered on Copacabana beach were filled with hope after England's impressive display against Italy and Uruguay's capitulation against Costa Rica.

And even after (public enemy number one) Luis Suarez's opener the spirits remained high with songs like We only came for the weather and We're gonna score in a minute offering a typically English outlook on the situation.

Wayne Rooney's equaliser caused inevitable bedlam, the mixture of beer, sand and water is not a pleasant one but no one cared and England's World Cup dreams were back on track.

Unfortunately, Suarez was on hand yet again to clinch the win with just minutes remaining and England's chances of qualifying look desperately slim.

In keeping with the good natured spirit of the World Cup though England fans were yet again consoled by those from other nations, Israelis and Guatemalans both offering their condolences and a reminder that we should be grateful we have a nation to support in the tournament at all.

A group stage exit seems the inevitable end for Inglaterra but as one German fan put it: "There is sill a chance for you though?".

A small chance. A fool's hope.