Paul, the octopus oracle, switches allegiance to England

The octopus that grabbed fame by predicting correctly the result of each of Germany''s matches at this year''s World Cup has switched allegiance to England.

Paul has been appointed as an ambassador to England''s bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

Although he became famous by calling Germany''s results and the Spain-Netherlands final from an aquarium in Oberhausen, Germany, Paul is English born.

Former England winger John Barnes says his fellow bid ambassador is "undoubtedly one of the biggest names in football."

Paul made his predictions by opening the lid of one of two clear plastic boxes, each containing a mussel and bearing a team flag.

But after his uncanny run of success, Paul retired from the role of octopus oracle.