World Cup Daily: Germany top the rich list and Neville’s annoyed
Published:The World Cup finally kicks-off with hosts Brazil facing Croatia in the tournament curtain-raiser and to get you in the mood we have a round-up of all the latest news that matters from Brazil for you to digest.
In the headlines
Germany, boasting the likes of Mesut Ozil and Toni Kroos, have the most valuable squad at the World Cup, according to a study by Lloyd’s and the Centre for Economics and Business Research.
The insurance-related figures are formed based on a player’s club earnings and endorsement incomes of all the 23-man World Cup squads.
England are third in the list above the likes of group rivals Italy. Let’s hope this list is an omen for success in Brazil – we’d all be happy with a third-place finish wouldn’t we?
In other news Phil Neville is annoyed with the “witch-hunt” against Wayne Rooney which has plagued the Three Lions’ build up.
The forward’s place in the starting-line-up for the Italy game has been called into question but Neville, Rooney’s coach at Manchester United, believes it’s a distraction the squad does not need ahead of the trip to Manaus.
Well said Phil, just don’t copy his tackling technique any time soon lads…
A day cannot go by without Sepp Blatter being in the news and no, it’s not for his dancing!
The FIFA President is back in the spotlight after UEFA counterpart Michel Platini said he would not support the Swiss football administrator in the next election. Is the writing finally on the wall for Mr. Blatter?
The England Camp
Roy Hodgson looks to have been given a boost ahead of his side’s World Cup opener against Italy with the news Danny Welbeck should be fit for selection.
As reported in yesterday’s World Cup Daily, the Manchester United forward picked up a thing injury in training on Tuesday but club team-mate Wayne Rooney revealed the 23-year-old will be fit to face the Azzurri.
England have sent officials to Manaus to inspect the pitch at the Arena Amazonia after concerns were raised about the state of the surface.
The head groundsman at the venue has revealed the pitch is “in a bad state” but we say “GET ON WITH ITS LADS!” It could be worse, Steven Gerrard & co could have to play on the same pitch as some of their Ukrainian counterparts did back in 2011…
Injury List
Belgium, who have been backed by Ladbrokes News readers to lift the trophy, breathed a sigh of relief when Romelu Lukaku started training again. The striker injured his right ankle in the 1-0 friendly win over Tunisia but is expected to be ready when the Red Devils kick-off their tournament against Algeria.
Fan Watch
Has no-one told Israel’s fans that their team is not in Brazil?
Despite the Blue and Whites not reaching the finals – they have only reached a World Cup once and that was in 1970 – over 11,000 tickets were sold via FIFA to the people of Israel.
And in relation to population size, Israeli’s have bought the most tickets to enjoy the Samba party and see all the action unfold in Brazil.
Who said the English fans don’t believe Roy’s boys can go all the way in Brazil?
Ok, Ok. The hype has not been as bad as in previous year’s but you won’t be able to tell the Landlord of the Robin Hood pub in Jarrow, Tyne and Wear to calm down his English patriotism.
Norman Scott has plastered his pub with more than 200 flags and admits he got “a bit carried away” decorating with the cross of St George but we love it!
So if you are listening Roy, do the business in Brazil for Harry, England, Saint George and Norman Scott!
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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