Well it's been all over the news the last day...England's well-structured plan to host the 2018 World Cup ended in bitter disappointment yesterday, receiving just TWO of the 22 votes required to be selected. Russia were eventually announced as the hosts; Qatar a surprise host for the 2022 competition.
Now while a massive congrats are due to Russia as they were (apart from England of course) one of the bigger nations in dire need of an international profile boost, was it the right decision? The main talking points following this decision is of course whether or not the decision was a completely political one.
My opinion is a widely agreed one; Sepp Blatter has never been a huge fan of the United Kingdom, full stop. If we was selected, it'd have given the country a massive pick-me-up that was thoroughly deserved. Sadly not...and now it's back to the drawing board!
I hope Russia can give us a great World Cup. Their stadiums are of great size, I'll give them that...but most of the stadiums have artificial playing surfaces! Surely that's a matter in itself which needs addressing, especially given the tournament will be held when the country will get what little warm weather they get.
Anyway, I'd love to hear what others would have to say on it.