SO, it’s under way. The World Cup began last night with Brazil versus Croatia.

England fans must stay up late tomorrow night for their first match against Italy. The build-up to the tournament has been marred by protests over the costs, allegations of racism and corruption in world football and of much less consequence, poor pitches. Even Pope Francis has joined in, calling on it to be played in the right spirit, free from individualism, selfishness, all forms of racism, intolerance, manipulation and from greed. He probably doesn’t have too much of a prayer with that one.