Thursday 14th June 2018 16:00 the world’s premier football competition kicks off “The Fifa World Cup” is set to be held in Europe, in Russia. It’s a tournament that attracts millions potentially, billions of viewers, whilst the opening game of the tournament may not sound the most exciting (Russian vs. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) it will still garner interest from every corner of the globe. Football once again will fall under the spotlight not just for the action on the pitch but also what goes on off it. With Russia drawing the spotlight due to the behaviour of some fans (if you can call them fans) at the European Championships, held in France in 2016.

Also under scrutiny will be the countries racial attitudes, with racism seemingly being a part of the Russian game at this time with club teams receiving fines and partial stadium closures as punishment from UEFA for European ties, at both senior and youth level.

England have been handed on paper at least a relatively easy group on paper at least, although, no game is easy in this day and age. Two games which the nation expects The Three Lions to win will be the games against Tunisia and Panama the toughest game of the group stages by far will be the encounter with Belgium, who will have arguably the best midfielder in the premier league possibly in the world at this time Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard who all viewers of the Premier League know what he can do and Romelu Lukaku to name a few, there are of course stars throughout all teams in this competition and there is sure to be some players who catch the eye of a scout or two and earn themselves big money moves possibly to the English divisions and further afield. Many players will be looking to shine on the brightest stage of all, there is expectancy on certain players like Messi, Aguero Harry Kane Coutinho and Neymar to name but a few, of course we shouldn’t solely focus on the players blessed with attacking ability with many defenders and goalkeepers in the way ready to launch into a game changing tackle or a goal line block which can see a game winning moment fall short and break the hearts of a nation.

World class defenders such as Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Jerome Boateng the last line of defence and capable of thwarting an attack will be David De Gea and Manuel Neuer whom will be putting it all on the line to stop an abundance of attacking talent.

The obvious question is who will win nobody knows for certain but in my opinion Germany will not be to far away from the final the South American teams of Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay are well fancied, England as always expects but a run to the quarter finals would be deemed a success any further has to be considered a bonus. Come tournament time one good performance will have the nation declaring “we are going to win it this year”!

None of the other Home nations have made it to the tournament this year which is a shame after Wales’s efforts in the Euros in 2016 and coming close to beating England to be outdone by an injury time winner for the England team. Portugal will be hoping they can recreate the success they had at the European Championships in 2016 emerging as 1-0 victors against the host nation France in a game that required Extra Time. As was the case with the 2014 World Cup when Germany overcame Argentina 1-0 thanks to a Mario Gotze goal.

Sunday 15th July sees the World Cup Final take place at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow with a 4 PM kick off.

After the group stages for the forth coming tournament every team will be hoping for a spot in the final come July 15th only two can make that game The World Cup brings about many different thoughts and opinions all fans will have an argument for their nations chances. All supporters will have their own favourite team to watch and will be awaiting to watch a particular player or a set of players onto victory and anticipating them lifting the trophy at the end of tournament.

Personally I think it will be a European team who wins the competition possibly France or Germany those two maybe together in the final and an all South American third and fourth place play-off. Germany have caused the biggest shock so far in leaving out Man City ace Leroy Sane which just indicates the strength and depth available in the team they have. England have opted to leave out Joe Hart and also Jack Wilshere, England begin their campaign on on Monday 18th June at 19:00 until that time all fans will have a starting XI in their own mind that will win that first game and begin a road to the final.

There will be much entertainment available throughout the summer as 32 teams set out to become football WORLD CHAMPIONS.