World Cup fever is gripping the globe and the question on everyone’s lips is: “Who is going to win it in Russia?” I have no crystal ball, but there are a handful of teams with a chance of lifting the trophy in Moscow on July 14.
My picks are usual suspects: Germany, Spain, France, Brazil and Argentina.
World champions Germany are obvious favourites. With the core of the squad that won it four years ago returning to defend the crown, they have all the experience.
And with the stars of a second-string side that went on to win the Confederations Cup last year also added to the mix, Joachim Low has a bunch of winners at his disposal.
Spain are back with a bang after their swak defence in 2014. And with the depth of talent that they have and the Madrid teams winning the Champions League and the Europa League, Spanish players are in form and they will be up there with Germany.
France are just as spoilt for choice with the likes of Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe in action.
Then Brazil have Neymar fit again after showing that they can win games without him.
Lionel Messi says he is as hungry as ever to win that elusive trophy and with Sergio Aguero and Paulo Dybala in support, they have as good an attack as any team in the competition.
You really can’t look past those teams, but if you do want to open things up, there is Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal who could be dark horses.
And what about England and Belgium?
Well, we don’t have to wait too long to find out now. It’s going to be a hell of a month of football.