Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, close bosom-friend of the Boden gilet. Leaves shed from trees in a blaze of colour, and make their way straight for train tracks. Autumnal light rears up at acute angles, a dazzling reminder that it’s always too early to put away your sunglasses.
It’s this time of year when sports fans’ thoughts turn naturally to one of the great annual showpiece tournaments.