STAR WARS

THE hands of Hassen Charni hover over the crystal ball and touch the tarot cards for clues to Glenn Hoddle's World Cup destiny.

This is Tunisia's answer to Eileen Drewery at work, and he claims to have far greater powers than hers.

Eileen may be the spiritual medium whose healing hands - much to the amusement of world football - are officially available to the England squad. But Charni, a 44-year-old soothsayer known throughout Africa, told me: "I have heard about your Mrs Drewery. Is it true that only some of the England players go to see her?

"I have every single Tunisian national player come to consult me in my office. And I am ready to compare my results with Mrs Drewery whenever she likes."

What Charni has foreseen in the stars is that Tunisia will beat England 2-1 in Marseilles tomorrow. But England will lead at half- time - and Tunisia will score the winner with just six minutes left.

He said: "The Tunisian team all know how important the 84th minute will be. When they are behind at half-time, they won't lose heart.

"I feel a great emotion when the images of what will happen flash before me. It's as though I am part of a film or a dream."

Hoddle has told me how, at a pre-agreed hour, he and Eileen could be spiritually linked even when they were physically apart. Charni does not heap scorn on such ideas, though he adds: "I do not believe Mrs Drewery can change destiny.

"I have heard she claims she stopped Ian Wright scoring in Rome to prevent trouble in the crowd. This is like trying to be a little god. Everyone knows you cannot turn two o'clock into noon.

"Some people believe I am like a sorcerer from the Middle Ages, but the simple truth is that I possess a gift.

"My uncle and my grandfather could also see into the future. It is no good if people do not believe, but I am happy to say the Tunisian team all have faith in me."

Charni, who spent four years at the Higher Institute of Astrology in Nantes, says: "I think I have worked harder than Mrs Drewery to be in my position. I am more scientific than her.

"But, like her, I cannot solve everyone's problems."

Hoddle may have attracted concern - not to say disbelief - through his patronage, officially backed by the FA, of Eileen Drewery. Charni, though, says: "Hoddle obviously thinks his team can benefit from having her around.

"The Tunisian coach Henri Kasperczak feels the same about me. He doesn't come to see me himself but he doesn't mind his players being among my clients. He understands they will be psychologically stronger for having been exposed to my gifts."

Charni charges around pounds 6.50 for each question he receives from the general public. But, like Eileen, he is very patriotic when it comes to the national football team.

He adds: "Every Tunisian World Cup player has received my services free of charge.

"Mrs Drewery has done her best for England. So I only hope they can do better against Romania and Colombia!"

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