Yes we know it’s obvious but, come on, there hasn’t been a UK representative in a big international football tournament since 2006! Luckily for all of us in England (sorry Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and… the robbed… Republic of Ireland!) The Three Lions cruised through the qualifiers and will be taking part in the big one.
For the first time in World Cup history the tournament will be hosted by an African nation – South Africa. As exciting as it is that Africa will take centre stage there is one quintessentially African element that will not be missed when the World Cup kicks off… the sun! Yes, it is going to be winter in South Africa and the dazzling sunshine that everyone associates with Africa is not going to be playing a factor at all. Not great for the thousands of fans flocking to the southern hemisphere but brilliant news for the England team.
Fabio Capello’s men are historically poor in sunnier climbs, so with the weather in their favour who knows what the England team can achieve. Between now and June 4th all we can do is wait, speculate and pray that no-ones metatarsal bone get destroyed before a ball is even kicked. In the next couple of months World Cup fever is going to grip the nation, prepare yourself.
Below are a selection of videos to get your World Cup appetite well and truly whetted.