BBC News featured cameos from Sooty and Sweep in the build-up to England’s World Cup semi-final defeat against Croatia at Russia 2018.

The beloved children’s characters appeared with a helping hand from Richard Cadell in a lighthearted segment to offer support for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions.

Waving his wand, Sooty attempts to cast a magic spell in England’s favour with the time-honoured catchphrase “izzy, wizzy, let’s get busy”.

It was ultimately to prove in vain, however, as was Sweep’s motivational message: