With the World Cup under way, it is nearly impossible not to get swept up in the excitement and fervour.
How many times do we as England fans tell ourselves that just making the knockout stages would be an achievement for this young squad, only to start entertaining that glimmer of hope: ‘but there’s no reason we couldn’t go all the way’? Whatever the outcome for England, the tournament extends a different hope that is much needed in our divided times: it gives a glimpse of a world united.
Profound play
At an international level, there is something profound about seeing countries who can’t seem to agree politically putting aside their differences to play together. Just think of the tensions between Iran and the West, with Trump walking away from the nuclear deal, and then reflect on how remarkable it is that Iran will be playing in a group with EU members Spain and Portugal.
