Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing to use the upcoming World Cup in Moscow in the same way Adolf Hitler used the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games as a propaganda exercise, says Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.

Mr Johnson was responding to a suggestion from Labour MP Ian Austin that the England team should not travel to the World Cup.

Addressing the Foreign Affairs Committee,  Mr Johnson said: " I think that your characterisation of what is going to happen in Moscow, the World Cup, in all the venues - yes, I think the comparison with 1936 is certainly right. I think it's an emetic prospect, frankly, to think of Putin glorying in this sporting event."

Mr Austin had initially suggested said of the England soccer team’s involvement in the tournament in Russia that would be a “PR exercise” for the Putin regime.

He added the Russian President would  use the World Cup "like Hitler used the World Cup in 1936".

Mr Johnson said he had thought a lot about England’s participation in the World Cup but said he believed “on balance” it would be wrong to punish the fans or the team.