The sun is out and the World Cup is almost here. There is a real feeling of excitement and expectation amongst millions of people across England. The St George cross is being proudly flown from cars, homes, pubs and workplaces. This is the power of sport; and the climax of the greatest sport of all. Nothing else, not Big Brother, not X Factor or any other 'reality' television show that is meant to provide water-cooler moments can compare.
This summer promises to be a spectacular celebration of England. It will unite people from all backgrounds in a way that we haven't seen since the funeral of Dianna and will provide a feel-good factor not seen since the election of Labour in the glorious summer of '97. Imagine if England actually win the World Cup: the levels of hysteria and insanity will be unprecedented. I have no idea what the V.E celebrations were like but that is the only comparison I can think of. Obviously there is a massive difference between the end of a war in which millions died and a football tournament, but that will be forgotten by the red tops if England goes all the way. As glorious as the Rugby World Cup and Ashes triumphs were, if England win you can multiply those celebrations by a hundred and you won't even be close.
But even if England don't win, it is still set to be a fantastic tournament. One and a half billion people are expected to
watch the opening ceremony. People from every continent on the planet will be experiencing the same pictures at the same time. And thanks to Australia's participation it will be a truly global event. Bring it on...
