Brazil, you say? They know how to play football over there, don't they? But it's a long way for one so middle aged as I to travel.

So instead, I shall slouch into my leather armchair and view the tournament from this side of the Atlantic. I shall try and watch every game and will definitely make wildly inaccurate predictions too.

I do solemnly vow to give you a real sense of what it's like to not be at the World Cup. This is the blog where all the colour and atmosphere and passion of watching the world's greatest sporting tournament on a wall mounted widescreen really comes to life.

Tuesday 13 May 2014

Who will qualify from World Cup 2014 Group D?

England does not expect.

For the first time in a lifetime, there's zero pressure on the team, almost an expectation that they won't make it through the group stage.

But will England really flop in the heat of Brazil?

URUGUAY had a successful 2010 World Cup and in a tournament so close to their home, expectations will be high that they can repeat and even go further. Expectations are always high for ITALY and it would take a fool to bet against them.  COSTA RICA is the unknown element, the team the other three will see as the easiest conquest.

And then there's ENGLAND. The squad does not excite. There are esome youngsters who could light up future tournaments. But not this one.

WORLD CUP GROUP D:  1. ITALY. 2. URUGUAY  3. England. 4. Costa Rica