Plus, the key stats to digest ahead of the tournament’s final between Spain and Argentina

Should defenders be taking penalties? Despite the narrative around them at this World Cup, Bill Edgar writes that they can still be relied on

England’s upcoming match against Mexico will be their earliest game UK time since 1991

England have not lost the first match against a new international opponent since 1959, a run spanning 58 games, as they prepare to face DR Congo for the first time in the World Cup round of 32.

The world’s showpiece tournament has featured 48 teams for the first time this summer - throwing up several problems

The acclaimed football statistician provides a snapshot of this week’s matches

Bill Edgar runs through the latest World Cup stats about the Three Lions and their talisman

The acclaimed football statistician provides a snapshot of this week’s matches

The World Cup is a perfect reflection of human migration, cross-border recruitment and a relaxation of eligibility rules

With the men’s World Cup kicking off on Thursday, the football statistician casts his eye over the week ahead