GOOD EVENING! That’s all from me this evening. Russia kicked off the tournament with a 5-0 mauling of Saudi Arabia in Moscow, and there’s three more games to look forward to tomorrow… Egypt take on Uruguay early on, with Mohamed Salah passed fit to play, before Morocco play Iran in the afternoon kick-off. Finally, as previously mentioned, Spain take on neighbours Portugal in arguably the most attractive game of the group stage. Check back with us here tomorrow as we continue to bring you all the build-up and reaction to the games, plus all the other major lines from across the tournament. Good evening!
PEREZ, LOPETEGUI DEFIANT
So, fighting talk from Florentino Perez and Julen Lopetegui, who have laid the blame at the feet of Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales. This story is set to rumble on, particularly if Spain underperform at the World Cup. They face Portugal in their opening game on Friday, with Fernando Hierro taking charge of the team in Lopetegui’s absence.
LOPETEGUI: I REGRET NOTHING Lopetegui insists he regrets none of his own actions but has criticised the reaction of Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales. He said: “You can’t turn back time but were completely convinced of what we’ve done. It was honest and clear. I would change the reaction hours later from Rubiales but I can’t change that.”
LOPETEGUI: I WAS HONEST
Lopetegui says he showed honesty in informing the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) of his agreement with Real Madrid, despite reports which claim the president of the RFEF only received notification of the deal five minutes before Madrid announced it to the public. He said: “We wanted to be honest with everyone. That is why we made the agreement public. Hiding it would have been bad. The players took it fine and they had no problem with it. “A lot of things have happened over the last two years. I am sure we will be world champions.”
Lopetegui believes Spain can still win the World Cup despite his departure. He said: “I will be supporting just like another Spaniard. I feel like I have participated in that team and I’m sure they will have a great World Cup despite everything.”
Lopetegui was sacked by Spain on Wednesday just hours after agreeing to take charge of Real Madrid after the World Cup. The 51-year-old admits it has been a rollercoaster 24 hours since his appointment but is looking ahead to the future. He said: “Yesterday was, after the death of my mother, the saddest day of my life. Today, this is the happiest day of my life.”
Julen Lopetegui says he wants to win everything there is to win during his time with Real Madrid. He said: “I will try not to get emotional but it is a day to be emotional. I want to say thank you to Real Madrid and the president for the confidence he has shown in me. “You have to give your absolute best. We’re going to fight to be as good as we have been. I feel that I’m happy with my capabilities for this job. “I feel the strength that accompanies Real Madrid. You have to be strong. We are going to use that strength to keep growing. “We will try to win everything.”
PEREZ: MADRID SHOWN DISRESPECT
Florentino Perez has accused the Spanish Football Federation of showing Real Madrid disrespect after choosing to sack Julen Lopetegui. He said: “We made an agreement to work together after the World Cup, while respecting his contract with Spain. “We wanted to make it quickly and transparent. The agreement has somehow been interpreted as disloyal. “The agreement seemed all normal and then we thought there was going to be a press conference between the president of the Spanish Football Federation and Julen Lopetegui. “But it turned out to be a reaction of pride from the President and an act of disrespect to Real Madrid.”
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez welcomes Julen Lopetegui to the club and brushes over his controversial departure from the Spain squad. Perez said: “We wanted to have this act after the World Cup. However, sadly some circumstances mean that we are here now with great excitement. “It is a huge amount of satisfaction to present our new manager. He knows this house very well. He has shown what a magnificent professional he is.”
Julen Lopetegui is about to be presented as the new head coach of Real Madrid, after being sacked from his post as manager of the Spanish national side.
RUSSIA 5-0 SAUDI ARABIA Denis Cheryshev and Aleksandr Golovin have just scored a pair of magnificent goals to round off a comfortable 5-0 win for Russia over Saudi Arabia. The Russian fans we spoke to before the match were full of optimism, and rightly so. What a performance! RASHFORD TO RETURN TO TRAINING Marcus Rashford will return to full training with England tomorrow. The Manchester United forward trained on his own in the gym at England’s hotel today and has made enough progress to join the rest of the squad on Friday. RUSSIA CRUISING TO VICTORY Russia appear to be well on course for three points from their opening game of the World Cup. The host nation are 3-0 up against Saudi Arabia who, in all honesty, have looked a shambles at the back. RAMOS: THIS WILL MAKE US STRONGER Sergio Ramos insists the controversial departure of Julen Lopetegui will help to unite the Spanish squad in Russia. He said: “The collective idea is to go for the World Cup. Problems are always an opportunity to grow. This will make us stronger and more united.” ‘SPAIN HAVE THREE FINALS’ Spain take on neighbours Portugal in their opening game on Friday before facing Iran and Morocco in their remaning Group B fixtures. Hierro insists he is taking nothing for granted. He said: “We have 3 grand finals, the first one is tomorrow. We are privileged to be here, we have to enjoy, put passion and give 100 per cent.” HIERRO: WE RESPECT PORTUGAL New Spain head coach Fernando Hierro is wary of the threat posed by Portugal, who upset the odds to beat France in the Euro 2016 final. Hierro said: “We respect Portugal a lot. They have one of the best squads in the world and a coach with a lot of experience. “I have full confidence in the boys and the idea with which they have been working with over the last two years.” RAMOS FOCUSED ON PORTUGAL Spain face reigning European champions Portugal in their opening game on Friday and Ramos says his team-mates cannot afford to be distracted by the change in coaching staff. He said: “Tomorrow the World Cup begins. We have a big game against the champions of Europe. I hope we start off on the right foot.” RAMOS: SPAIN MUST MOVE ON Spain captain Sergio Ramos says the squad must move on from the controversy surrounding the appointment of Fernando Hierro, and Julen Lopetegui’s departure. He said: “You had to move on to the next page as soon as possible. It has not been a pleasant time. The sooner we leave the subject, the better for all.” RUSSIA 2018 – KEY MAN – DELE ALLI Dele Alli will be a focal point for England’s attack at the World Cup this summer; watch some of his best goals and assists for Spurs last season. HALF-TIME IN MOSCOW We’ve reached the interval in the opening match of the tournament and its hosts Russia who will go in at the break the happier of the two teams, having already taken a 2-0 lead against Saudi Arabia. It’s been an entertaining game so far, although the less said about the Saudi defending, the better. SANTOS: SPAIN ARE FANTASTIC Spain’s stunning managerial change on the eve of the World Cup will not affect their performance in their opening ‘Iberian derby’ match, according to Portugal head coach Fernando Santos. “It is Spain and Portugal,” Santos said. “Spain has played like that for 10 years I don’t think there are going to be any surprises. What is important is the team that plays, and the strategy and no more than that.” “Spain are fantastic opponents,” he added. “They are highly qualified with a kind of game that has been consolidated over the years and (it) won’t change that radically.” TABAREZ: SUAREZ HAS MATURED Luis Suarez has “matured a great deal” and is primed to lead Uruguay’s assault on the World Cup, according to head coach Oscar Tabarez. Barcelona striker Suarez, a controversial figure who has had numerous run-ins with football authorities throughout his career, was thrown out of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and subsequently banned for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini. “Luis Suarez is no doubt more mature now and he has matured a great deal,” said Tabarez. “What happened in Brazil is part of real life and of course a lesson to achieve more maturity not only as a footballer but also in other parts of his life, such as his family. “He’s got the right mindset for this World Cup and he is meeting all my expectations. In addition to being a great player, he is very smart, very intelligent and we are going to really capitalise on him.” Russia are leading 1-0 courtesy Gazinsky’s 15th minute header WE’RE UNDERWAY! Saudi Arabia get us underway at the Luzhniki Stadium! Can Russia start the tournament with a win? CASILLAS IS IN THE HOUSE Spain legend Iker Casillas has paraded the World Cup trophy to the fans in the Luzhniki Stadium ahead of the opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia. The former Real Madrid goalkeeper was captain of the Spanish side that won the tournament in 2010. ‘AND THREE STRIKES IN A ROW IS A TURKEY’ There have been concerns at previous World Cups that the England players have not had enough to do, but no danger of that this time – they have access to a ten-pin bowling alley! And the players have been racking up a few strikes this afternoon – once Kieran Trippier had explained the complex scoring system to Jesse Lingard! SPANISH FANS REMAIN UPBEAT Spain shocked the football world by sacking their head coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the World Cup and replacing him with Fernando Hierro. However, the Spanish fans who have made the trip to Russia believe their side can still win the tournament despite the unrest. WELBECK: WE ARE READY England have a few more days to wait until their opening game of the tournament against Tunisia on Monday, but Danny Welbeck says the squad a ready to go after settling into their training base in Repino. RUSSIA NAME STARTING XI TO FACE SAUDI ARABIA We’re now just under an hour-and-a-half away from the opening game of the tournament between Saudi Arabia and hosts Russia, who have named their starting XI for the curtain raiser. Russia starting XI v Saudi Arabia: Akinfeev, Fernandes, Kutepov, Ignashevich, Zhirkov, Gazinskiy, Zobnin, Samedov, Golovin, Dzagoev, Smolov Saudi Arabia starting XI v Russia: Al-Maiouf; Alburayk, Os.Hawsawi, Om.Hawsawi, Al-Shahrani, Otayf, Al-Dawsari, Al-Faraj, Al-Jassam, Al-Shehri, Al-Sahlawi. PROUD MOMENT’ Kieran Trippier says it will be a huge day for himself and his family if he gets the nod to start against Tunisia on Monday night. He said: “I’ve got my brothers and my dad here, about 15 people, so there’s been a lot of tickets to sort out. “My dad’s excited, it’s a proud moment for him and the rest of my family. “The emotions will be high and I just can’t wait to get started. I’ll do the best I can for my family and for the fans.” TOUGH GAME EXPECTED Kieran Trippier says England cannot expect an easy time when they face a well-regarded Tunisia side on Monday night. Trippier said: “We’ll have to be patient, we know it’s going to be a tough game. “We’ve analysed their strengths and weaknesses and how to exploit them. It’ll be tough but we’re looking forward to it.”
‘GOALS ALL AROUND THE PITCH’
Kieran Trippier does not think England will be overly reliant on his Spurs team mate Harry Kane for goals at this World Cup. Trippier said: “Everybody knows what Harry Kane’s all about, he’s a goalscorer and a great professional. “But if you look all around our team we’ve got winners, we’ve got goals all around the pitch. “It’s not just Harry. We’ve got a strong forward line, a lot of pace, youth, and I know the boys are looking forward to getting on with it now.”
TRIPPIER TIME
Some good news for Egypt then but how is the mood in the Englandcamp? Kieran Trippier is favourite to start at right-back against Tunisia on Monday and he has just kicked off his press conference
SALAH SET TO FEATURE ON FRIDAY Good news for Egypt – forward Mohamed Salah is set to play against Uruguay in their World Cup opener on Friday. Salah suffered a shoulder injury during Liverpool’s Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid on May 26 and has not played since. Egypt coach Hector Cuper has just told a news conference: “I can almost assure you 100 percent that he will play, save unforeseen circumstances at the very last minute.” LATEST FROM THE ENGLAND CAMP England have been training once again as they continue their preparations for Monday’s opener against Tunisia – and we have all the news for you right here. Don’t forget we will be hearing from Spurs full-back Kieran Trippier shortly JUST UNDER THREE HOURS TO GO … Geraint Hughes is the Sky Sports News man in Moscow this afternoon and here is his shot of the Luzhniki Stadium, where the atmosphere is building nicely ahead of Russia v Saudi Arabia at 4pm. Don’t forget we have the opening ceremony to look forward to as well – the one and only Robbie Williams will be among the performers! PARTY TIME FOR PERU FANS Amidst all the Spain comings and goings, let’s not forget that … THE WORLD CUP STARTS TODAY! Russia v Saudi Arabia is the tournament opener at 4pm but meanwhile fans from around the world are descending on Russia. Peru open their campaign against Denmark in Saransk on Saturday and their fans have been travelling on the Metro near Red Square in Moscow. FORGET MOVEMBER – TIME FOR THE ‘MOUSTACHE OF HOPE’ Hosts Russia have been written off by many as serious contenders for World Cup glory – but that was before they launched the ‘Moustache of Hope’ campaign! Manager Stanislav Cherchesov (pictured) is renowned for his trademark facial hair, and his fellow Russians are getting on board in a big way after the campaign was launched by a TV host. Don’t be surprised if you see plenty of moustaches on show at the Luzhniki Stadium this afternoon! RASHFORD REMAINING UPBEAT Forward Marcus Rashfordhas missed England training for the past two days ahead of their World Cup opener against Tunisia on Monday. But the Manchester United man was able to some gym work this morning and he clearly remains in high spirits, having just posted this Tweet for Throwback Thursday. MADRID TO UNVEIL LOPETEGUI Fresh from being sacked by Spain, Julen Lopetegui will face the media tonight as the new Real Madrid manager. It’s all go! Madrid will unveil the 51-year-old as their new boss at 6pm, an hour after his replacement as Spain boss, Fernando Hierro, talks to the media on the eve of the match against Portugal in Sochi. We will keep you posted.
HIERRO’S HUGE TASK The 2010 winners Spain were among the favourites for the tournament – only to sensationally sack manager Julen Lopeteguijust two days before the tournament. Fernando Hierro has taken charge – but can he salvage the situation?
SPAIN READY FOR OPENER It has been a turbulent few days in the Spain camp but it is business as usual now and the squad are off to Sochi ahead of tomorrow night’s eagerly awaited clash with Portugal. IBRA TIPS GERMANY FOR WORLD CUP GLORY More from Zlatan Ibrahimovic now, who has tipped Germany for success in Russia. “Germany are the ‘Deutsche machine’ and you know they will do good and they always do good”, he said. “I would say a good team doesn’t have a good player, they have 22 fantastic players and with Germany it is not that they have a star. I think the team is the star and that is why they are so strong and I think the other nations they have to watch out for Germany. “So it is no surprise. We know they are good and we know that they will do good.” ZLATAN SPEAKS I am afraid to say that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been at it again. Asked by reporters how Sweden will fare at the World Cup this summer, he humbly replied: “I think Sweden have less pressure because I am not there.” Classic. RASHFORD IN THE GYM Marcus Rashford is unable to take to the training pitch with his England team-mates. However, he is still working hard to be fit for their opening game against Tunisia on Monday, and is working individually in the gym at the team hotel. RASHFORD MISSES TRAINING This is the second successive day in which Marcus Rashford has been forced to miss England training with a knee injury. It means the forward is yet to train since England arrived in Russia, although the FA insist his injury is not concerning. ENGLAND OR TUNISIA? You know what this blog needs? That is right – more psychic animals. Sky Sports News‘ Rob Dorsett has been to a petting zoo in Russia to meet a psychic ostrich in the hope of finding out whether England will beat Tunisia in their opening Group G game on Monday. SPAIN PREPARE WITHOUT LOPETEGUI Spain sensationally sacked Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the World Cup – and the new Real Madrid boss has spoken for the first time since the news. You can also here from the new man in charge, Fernando Hierro, ahead of Spain’s game against Portugal on Friday. JOSE BACKS ENGLAND IN RUSSIA Jose Mourinho has been very positive about England’s World Cup chances. You can also hear from England ‘s Jordan Henderson as they build-up to their opening game against Tunisia on Monday. FRED BACK FOR BRAZIL Fear not Brazil fans – we are of course discussing the Manchester United-bound midfielder, not the lumbering striker that pained us all four years ago. Fred is back for the Selecao ahead of their opener against Switzerland on Sunday. SALAH TRAINS WITH EGYPT Mohamed Salah took to the training pitch with his Egypt team-mates on Wednesday, but will he be fit to play in their opening game against Uruguay on Friday? We expect to hear from the Egypt camp later today, when they are sure to be asked about their key man’s shoulder injury. MBAPPE FIT FOR FRANCE OPENER We start the day with some good news for any French fans out there. Star striker Kylian Mbappe has declared himself fit for France’s opening game against Australia. The PSG youngster was injured by his own team-mate Adil Rami in training, but he will be ready to take to the field in Kazan on Saturday. TODAY’S THE DAY! Hello and welcome to another day of World Cup Daily action! Stay with us throughout the day for all the latest news from around the tournament, including England training and an expected update on Mohamed Salah’s fitness. We will also be building-up to the first match of the tournament, as Russia take on Saudi Arabia at 4pm UK time!
That’s all from me this evening. Russia kicked off the tournament with a 5-0 mauling of Saudi Arabia in Moscow, and there’s three more games to look forward to tomorrow…
Egypt take on Uruguay early on, with Mohamed Salah passed fit to play, before Morocco play Iran in the afternoon kick-off.
Finally, as previously mentioned, Spain take on neighbours Portugal in arguably the most attractive game of the group stage.
Check back with us here tomorrow as we continue to bring you all the build-up and reaction to the games, plus all the other major lines from across the tournament. Good evening!
This story is set to rumble on, particularly if Spain underperform at the World Cup. They face Portugal in their opening game on Friday, with Fernando Hierro taking charge of the team in Lopetegui’s absence.
LOPETEGUI: I REGRET NOTHING
Lopetegui insists he regrets none of his own actions but has criticised the reaction of Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales.
He said: “You can’t turn back time but were completely convinced of what we’ve done. It was honest and clear. I would change the reaction hours later from Rubiales but I can’t change that.”
He said: “We wanted to be honest with everyone. That is why we made the agreement public. Hiding it would have been bad. The players took it fine and they had no problem with it.
“A lot of things have happened over the last two years. I am sure we will be world champions.”
He said: “I will be supporting just like another Spaniard. I feel like I have participated in that team and I’m sure they will have a great World Cup despite everything.”
He said: “Yesterday was, after the death of my mother, the saddest day of my life. Today, this is the happiest day of my life.”
He said: “I will try not to get emotional but it is a day to be emotional. I want to say thank you to Real Madrid and the president for the confidence he has shown in me.
“You have to give your absolute best. We’re going to fight to be as good as we have been. I feel that I’m happy with my capabilities for this job.
“I feel the strength that accompanies Real Madrid. You have to be strong. We are going to use that strength to keep growing.
“We will try to win everything.”
He said: “We made an agreement to work together after the World Cup, while respecting his contract with Spain.
“We wanted to make it quickly and transparent. The agreement has somehow been interpreted as disloyal.
“The agreement seemed all normal and then we thought there was going to be a press conference between the president of the Spanish Football Federation and Julen Lopetegui.
“But it turned out to be a reaction of pride from the President and an act of disrespect to Real Madrid.”
Perez said: “We wanted to have this act after the World Cup. However, sadly some circumstances mean that we are here now with great excitement.
“It is a huge amount of satisfaction to present our new manager. He knows this house very well. He has shown what a magnificent professional he is.”
RUSSIA 5-0 SAUDI ARABIA
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Denis Cheryshev and Aleksandr Golovin have just scored a pair of magnificent goals to round off a comfortable 5-0 win for Russia over Saudi Arabia.
The Russian fans we spoke to before the match were full of optimism, and rightly so. What a performance!
RASHFORD TO RETURN TO TRAINING
Marcus Rashford will return to full training with England tomorrow.
The Manchester United forward trained on his own in the gym at England’s hotel today and has made enough progress to join the rest of the squad on Friday.
RUSSIA CRUISING TO VICTORY
Russia appear to be well on course for three points from their opening game of the World Cup. The host nation are 3-0 up against Saudi Arabia who, in all honesty, have looked a shambles at the back.
RAMOS: THIS WILL MAKE US STRONGER
Sergio Ramos insists the controversial departure of Julen Lopetegui will help to unite the Spanish squad in Russia.
He said: “The collective idea is to go for the World Cup. Problems are always an opportunity to grow. This will make us stronger and more united.”
‘SPAIN HAVE THREE FINALS’
Spain take on neighbours Portugal in their opening game on Friday before facing Iran and Morocco in their remaning Group B fixtures.
Hierro insists he is taking nothing for granted.
He said: “We have 3 grand finals, the first one is tomorrow. We are privileged to be here, we have to enjoy, put passion and give 100 per cent.”
HIERRO: WE RESPECT PORTUGAL
New Spain head coach Fernando Hierro is wary of the threat posed by Portugal, who upset the odds to beat France in the Euro 2016 final.
Hierro said: “We respect Portugal a lot. They have one of the best squads in the world and a coach with a lot of experience.
“I have full confidence in the boys and the idea with which they have been working with over the last two years.”
RAMOS FOCUSED ON PORTUGAL
Spain face reigning European champions Portugal in their opening game on Friday and Ramos says his team-mates cannot afford to be distracted by the change in coaching staff.
He said: “Tomorrow the World Cup begins. We have a big game against the champions of Europe. I hope we start off on the right foot.”
RAMOS: SPAIN MUST MOVE ON
Spain captain Sergio Ramos says the squad must move on from the controversy surrounding the appointment of Fernando Hierro, and Julen Lopetegui’s departure.
He said: “You had to move on to the next page as soon as possible. It has not been a pleasant time. The sooner we leave the subject, the better for all.”
RUSSIA 2018 – KEY MAN – DELE ALLI
Dele Alli will be a focal point for England’s attack at the World Cup this summer; watch some of his best goals and assists for Spurs last season.
HALF-TIME IN MOSCOW
We’ve reached the interval in the opening match of the tournament and its hosts Russia who will go in at the break the happier of the two teams, having already taken a 2-0 lead against Saudi Arabia.
It’s been an entertaining game so far, although the less said about the Saudi defending, the better.
SANTOS: SPAIN ARE FANTASTIC
Spain’s stunning managerial change on the eve of the World Cup will not affect their performance in their opening ‘Iberian derby’ match, according to Portugal head coach Fernando Santos.
“It is Spain and Portugal,” Santos said. “Spain has played like that for 10 years I don’t think there are going to be any surprises. What is important is the team that plays, and the strategy and no more than that.”
“Spain are fantastic opponents,” he added. “They are highly qualified with a kind of game that has been consolidated over the years and (it) won’t change that radically.”
TABAREZ: SUAREZ HAS MATURED
Luis Suarez has “matured a great deal” and is primed to lead Uruguay’s assault on the World Cup, according to head coach Oscar Tabarez.
Barcelona striker Suarez, a controversial figure who has had numerous run-ins with football authorities throughout his career, was thrown out of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and subsequently banned for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini.
“Luis Suarez is no doubt more mature now and he has matured a great deal,” said Tabarez. “What happened in Brazil is part of real life and of course a lesson to achieve more maturity not only as a footballer but also in other parts of his life, such as his family.
“He’s got the right mindset for this World Cup and he is meeting all my expectations. In addition to being a great player, he is very smart, very intelligent and we are going to really capitalise on him.”
Russia are leading 1-0 courtesy Gazinsky’s 15th minute header
WE’RE UNDERWAY!
Saudi Arabia get us underway at the Luzhniki Stadium! Can Russia start the tournament with a win?
CASILLAS IS IN THE HOUSE
Spain legend Iker Casillas has paraded the World Cup trophy to the fans in the Luzhniki Stadium ahead of the opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia.
The former Real Madrid goalkeeper was captain of the Spanish side that won the tournament in 2010.
‘AND THREE STRIKES IN A ROW IS A TURKEY’
There have been concerns at previous World Cups that the England players have not had enough to do, but no danger of that this time – they have access to a ten-pin bowling alley!
And the players have been racking up a few strikes this afternoon – once Kieran Trippier had explained the complex scoring system to Jesse Lingard!
SPANISH FANS REMAIN UPBEAT
Spain shocked the football world by sacking their head coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the World Cup and replacing him with Fernando Hierro.
However, the Spanish fans who have made the trip to Russia believe their side can still win the tournament despite the unrest.
WELBECK: WE ARE READY
England have a few more days to wait until their opening game of the tournament against Tunisia on Monday, but Danny Welbeck says the squad a ready to go after settling into their training base in Repino.
RUSSIA NAME STARTING XI TO FACE SAUDI ARABIA
We’re now just under an hour-and-a-half away from the opening game of the tournament between Saudi Arabia and hosts Russia, who have named their starting XI for the curtain raiser.
Russia starting XI v Saudi Arabia: Akinfeev, Fernandes, Kutepov, Ignashevich, Zhirkov, Gazinskiy, Zobnin, Samedov, Golovin, Dzagoev, Smolov
Saudi Arabia starting XI v Russia: Al-Maiouf; Alburayk, Os.Hawsawi, Om.Hawsawi, Al-Shahrani, Otayf, Al-Dawsari, Al-Faraj, Al-Jassam, Al-Shehri, Al-Sahlawi.
PROUD MOMENT’
Kieran Trippier says it will be a huge day for himself and his family if he gets the nod to start against Tunisia on Monday night.
He said: “I’ve got my brothers and my dad here, about 15 people, so there’s been a lot of tickets to sort out.
“My dad’s excited, it’s a proud moment for him and the rest of my family.
“The emotions will be high and I just can’t wait to get started. I’ll do the best I can for my family and for the fans.”
TOUGH GAME EXPECTED
Kieran Trippier says England cannot expect an easy time when they face a well-regarded Tunisia side on Monday night.
Trippier said: “We’ll have to be patient, we know it’s going to be a tough game.
“We’ve analysed their strengths and weaknesses and how to exploit them. It’ll be tough but we’re looking forward to it.”
Trippier said: “Everybody knows what Harry Kane’s all about, he’s a goalscorer and a great professional.
“But if you look all around our team we’ve got winners, we’ve got goals all around the pitch.
“It’s not just Harry. We’ve got a strong forward line, a lot of pace, youth, and I know the boys are looking forward to getting on with it now.”
Kieran Trippier is favourite to start at right-back against Tunisia on Monday and he has just kicked off his press conference
SALAH SET TO FEATURE ON FRIDAY
Good news for Egypt – forward Mohamed Salah is set to play against Uruguay in their World Cup opener on Friday.
Salah suffered a shoulder injury during Liverpool’s Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid on May 26 and has not played since.
Egypt coach Hector Cuper has just told a news conference: “I can almost assure you 100 percent that he will play, save unforeseen circumstances at the very last minute.”
LATEST FROM THE ENGLAND CAMP
England have been training once again as they continue their preparations for Monday’s opener against Tunisia – and we have all the news for you right here.
Don’t forget we will be hearing from Spurs full-back Kieran Trippier shortly
JUST UNDER THREE HOURS TO GO …
Geraint Hughes is the Sky Sports News man in Moscow this afternoon and here is his shot of the Luzhniki Stadium, where the atmosphere is building nicely ahead of Russia v Saudi Arabia at 4pm.
Don’t forget we have the opening ceremony to look forward to as well – the one and only Robbie Williams will be among the performers!
PARTY TIME FOR PERU FANS
Amidst all the Spain comings and goings, let’s not forget that … THE WORLD CUP STARTS TODAY!
Russia v Saudi Arabia is the tournament opener at 4pm but meanwhile fans from around the world are descending on Russia.
Peru open their campaign against Denmark in Saransk on Saturday and their fans have been travelling on the Metro near Red Square in Moscow.
FORGET MOVEMBER – TIME FOR THE ‘MOUSTACHE OF HOPE’
Hosts Russia have been written off by many as serious contenders for World Cup glory – but that was before they launched the ‘Moustache of Hope’ campaign!
Manager Stanislav Cherchesov (pictured) is renowned for his trademark facial hair, and his fellow Russians are getting on board in a big way after the campaign was launched by a TV host.
Don’t be surprised if you see plenty of moustaches on show at the Luzhniki Stadium this afternoon!
RASHFORD REMAINING UPBEAT
Forward Marcus Rashford has missed England training for the past two days ahead of their World Cup opener against Tunisia on Monday.
But the Manchester United man was able to some gym work this morning and he clearly remains in high spirits, having just posted this Tweet for Throwback Thursday.
MADRID TO UNVEIL LOPETEGUI
Fresh from being sacked by Spain, Julen Lopetegui will face the media tonight as the new Real Madrid manager. It’s all go!
Madrid will unveil the 51-year-old as their new boss at 6pm, an hour after his replacement as Spain boss, Fernando Hierro, talks to the media on the eve of the match against Portugal in Sochi. We will keep you posted.
The 2010 winners Spain were among the favourites for the tournament – only to sensationally sack manager Julen Lopeteguijust two days before the tournament. Fernando Hierro has taken charge – but can he salvage the situation?
SPAIN READY FOR OPENER
It has been a turbulent few days in the Spain camp but it is business as usual now and the squad are off to Sochi ahead of tomorrow night’s eagerly awaited clash with Portugal.
IBRA TIPS GERMANY FOR WORLD CUP GLORY
More from Zlatan Ibrahimovic now, who has tipped Germany for success in Russia.
“Germany are the ‘Deutsche machine’ and you know they will do good and they always do good”, he said.
“I would say a good team doesn’t have a good player, they have 22 fantastic players and with Germany it is not that they have a star. I think the team is the star and that is why they are so strong and I think the other nations they have to watch out for Germany.
“So it is no surprise. We know they are good and we know that they will do good.”
ZLATAN SPEAKS
I am afraid to say that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been at it again.
Asked by reporters how Sweden will fare at the World Cup this summer, he humbly replied: “I think Sweden have less pressure because I am not there.”
Classic.
RASHFORD IN THE GYM
Marcus Rashford is unable to take to the training pitch with his England team-mates.
However, he is still working hard to be fit for their opening game against Tunisia on Monday, and is working individually in the gym at the team hotel.
RASHFORD MISSES TRAINING
This is the second successive day in which Marcus Rashford has been forced to miss England training with a knee injury.
It means the forward is yet to train since England arrived in Russia, although the FA insist his injury is not concerning.
ENGLAND OR TUNISIA?
You know what this blog needs? That is right – more psychic animals.
Sky Sports News‘ Rob Dorsett has been to a petting zoo in Russia to meet a psychic ostrich in the hope of finding out whether England will beat Tunisia in their opening Group G game on Monday.
SPAIN PREPARE WITHOUT LOPETEGUI
Spain sensationally sacked Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the World Cup – and the new Real Madrid boss has spoken for the first time since the news.
You can also here from the new man in charge, Fernando Hierro, ahead of Spain’s game against Portugal on Friday.
JOSE BACKS ENGLAND IN RUSSIA
Jose Mourinho has been very positive about England’s World Cup chances.
You can also hear from England ‘s Jordan Henderson as they build-up to their opening game against Tunisia on Monday.
FRED BACK FOR BRAZIL
Fear not Brazil fans – we are of course discussing the Manchester United-bound midfielder, not the lumbering striker that pained us all four years ago.
Fred is back for the Selecao ahead of their opener against Switzerland on Sunday.
SALAH TRAINS WITH EGYPT
Mohamed Salah took to the training pitch with his Egypt team-mates on Wednesday, but will he be fit to play in their opening game against Uruguay on Friday?
We expect to hear from the Egypt camp later today, when they are sure to be asked about their key man’s shoulder injury.
MBAPPE FIT FOR FRANCE OPENER
We start the day with some good news for any French fans out there.
Star striker Kylian Mbappe has declared himself fit for France’s opening game against Australia.
The PSG youngster was injured by his own team-mate Adil Rami in training, but he will be ready to take to the field in Kazan on Saturday.
TODAY’S THE DAY!
Hello and welcome to another day of World Cup Daily action! Stay with us throughout the day for all the latest news from around the tournament, including England training and an expected update on Mohamed Salah’s fitness.
We will also be building-up to the first match of the tournament, as Russia take on Saudi Arabia at 4pm UK time!