Perhaps there has been no greater symbolism in my 35-year-old life than the disappointment of opening a pack of Panini stickers only to find they are all “gots.” Let’s not dwell on the futility of existence, however, but instead celebrate World Cup Fever, because, with less than two weeks to go, I am starting to show all the symptoms. I’m even excited about tonight’s friendly with Peru. Well, as excited as anyone over the age of 12 can get about England friendlies.
Much of my World Cup Fever can be put down to what has euphemistically been dubbed the World Cup Barn. Brookside Manor House in Bronygarth is no barn – it has a snooker table, tennis court and hot tub! – but the World Cup will be centre stage for the week that 20-odd friends and I are there. I can’t wait.
It’s not just the prospect of me and my middle-aged, middle-class mates enjoying a World Cup holiday that is getting me excited. It’s England’s prospects, too. Or, rather, the lack of prospects, because the build-up to Brazil 2014 has been refreshingly realistic where the national team is concerned. My theory is that we have passed on the over-hyped mantel to Belgium. Think about it: the Belgian squad is full of players who have done it week in week out in the Premier League – the Best League In The World©. I’m willing to be proved wrong, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they went out on penalties in the quarter-finals, blaming too many egos and the lack of a winter break in the Premier League.
Back to England, and, while I’m happy for expectations to be lowered, I’m not convinced that the squad is any worse than it has ever been in my lifetime. Matthew Upson played in South Africa, remember. The squad is less experienced, for sure, but that may be a blessing. Likewise, the weaknesses in defence. There is an irony in Roy Hodgson, chased out of Anfield for playing dull football, having to harness the attacking verve of Liverpool, but that is surely the best chance of success. Maybe success in terms of results, but, more realistically, success in terms of maintaining the sympathy and support of fans and media alike.
On the subject of Liverpool, perhaps the heartbreak of their end-of-season implosion will act as motivation – particularly for Steven Gerrard. It must be hoped, too, that Wayne Rooney is not lacking in motivation, not to mention fitness. It is high time a player of his undoubted talent lit up a major tournament again.
All in all, I am ready to be pleasantly surprised by England – starting tonight, and ending up … who knows where? Moreover, I am ready for a holiday. Bring on the World Cup (Barn).