We all know what’s going to happen because the same thing happens every four years. The footballing bigs progress to the latter stages and the rest are there just to make up the numbers. There will be, as usual, one or two teams that break the mould – it’s just a matter of seeing who it’ll be this time.

I guess Brazil start as favourites, but I don’t believe they will win it – the pressure to perform may result in a surprise or two. And anyway, as a relatively inferior Italy showed in 1982, you can beat Brazil if you use the right tactics.

With my unwavering support for England pretty much intact, despite many years of hurt, I am confident that we will progress to the quarters, maybe even semis. I’m not overly keen on Hodgson, but there have been worse. Actually, I think Hodgson is the best manager since Robson in 1990. The only problem is that we don’t have a real Gazza in the squad.

And maybe that’s a good thing – it’s potentially dangerous to pin your hopes on one player. And if you’re thinking of Rooney, he hasn’t impressed me much lately. England’s first game is against Italy – that’s tantamount the Final for us Maltese. I’m quietly confident will make it.

So who will win the World Cup 2014? I think there are four candidates who have a realistic chance – if Brazil manage to drag themselves to the final, they will win it. Otherwise, it’ll be either Germany, Argentina or Spain. The teams with an outside chance are Portugal, England, Uruguay, Italy, France and Holland. And note that three of these teams are in the same group…

If they stop being scared of their own shadow, Switzerland can also make some good headway. And the more difficult the team, the better. They beat the likes of Spain but then draw against Malta and lose to Luxembourg. Doesn’t make sense…

One thing is for sure – the Three Lions will be roaring in my house (with a couple of heart beats reserved for the Swiss). Go ENGLAND! Hop Schweiiiiz!