I was little more than a twinkle in my father's eye when Geoff Hurst steered England to its only World Cup victory, in 1966. A quick glance at my son's Panini Sticker Book told me that Brazil, Italy, Argentina and Germany have claimed a pair of wins in the last nine competitions, with France winning the other. If this is to follow the same pattern, then France, who qualified in highly controversial circumstances with 'Le Hand of Frog' goal by Thierry Henry, should win it.
It is no surprise that Spain are the favourites. They have the best group of players and arguably the easiest group, and with so many Liverpool connections, they will be the real deal.
The heart says England, the head says Spain, Brazil or Argentina, while you can never disregard Germany or Italy. I find it hard to believe that England are better priced than Argentina, who are littered with so many potential match-winners, none more so than the little magician Messi. They are my favourites to go on and lift the cup on July 11.
● It's been quite a successful week on the personal front. On Monday night, at the JC MSFL end of season awards, I picked up my first ever league winners after 20 years of trying as well as, together with Adam Fegan, Manager of the Year.
At the start of the season, very few people expected North London Raiders A to win the Division One title and I am proud of our achievements.
At the ripe old age of 37, I played half a dozen games for the team, although injury has prevented me from taking to the field since November. Last season we finished a disappointing seventh in the table and after agreeing to work alongside Adam in a joint-manager capacity last summer, it has been a joy to watch the group develop into champions. I would like to dedicate my awards to my wife, Donna, and children. Now Adam and I must now start plotting our challenge in the Premier Division.
● Ben Winston, the Team GB boss at next year's European Maccabi Games, has been working round the clock ahead of his new show ' James Corden World Cup Live,' which will be shown after every ITV1 evening game. Ahead of the first programme, which goes out straight after England's opener, Winston said: "The World Cup has become my life. Producing 14 hours of World Cup content is a dream come true."
● The Barnet West School Sport Partnership are helping Jewish schools go from strength to strength in the sporting world. In recent news, Year 3 and 5 pupils at Mathilda Marks Kennedy have been enjoying tennis sessions held by 'Split Second Tennis' this year. Coach James Levy has provided ideas aimed at improving skills and techniques.
Seventy one Year 3 pupils from five Jewish schools took part in the Bisi Badminton Festival.
All for Sport have been working with 17 pupils from Rosh Pinah to improve their athletic skills. Children from years 3, 4 and 5 have been selected from class trials.
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