England v Germany: round two

It may have been four days ago but the pain from England’s crushing defeat by Germany is still raw. The tissues may have been put away but there’s still a tangible gloom hanging over the population that even the loudest vuvuzela can’t shake.

But perhaps the Design Business Association’s Design World Cup, which takes place in Newcastle tonight, will give England the chance to win back some national pride from their German adversaries. Old rivals Erik Spiekermann and Bill Wallsgrove will compete to prove which nation wins in a number of design disciplines, including typography, automotive design, product design and, the most important of all, sausage manufacturing.

Bill Wallsgrove, described by the DBA as an ‘old fashioned heavyweight striker’, is head of ideas at Brand Voice and has been creative director at Futurebrand, Big Idea and Coley Porter Bell. Erik Spiekermann is a master type designer and created two typefaces, FF Meta and ITC Officina. which are generally considered modern classics.

Design Week editor Lynda Relph-Knight will be playing referee and the debate’s audience will make decision at full-time. Check the blog next week to see which nation was crowned champion. Come on England!