HOUSES are decked out with St George’s flags, and I’m pretty sure I heard “Three Lions” on the radio the other day.

It can only mean one thing…the World Cup is here! Four years of waiting is finally over.

Since Russia was awarded the tournament ahead of, among other bidders, England, all the talk has been about why they should not host.

Now, however, it is time for that kind of talking to stop and for the football to start.

I love football, so of course I am excited and not in an “England are nailed on to win” way.

There are so many teams for whom you could make a real and convincing case for them taking home the trophy.

Will Germany retain their crown? Will Brazil fulfil their promise and become six-time world champions? Will France’s supreme attacking firepower allow them to reign supreme? Will Belgium’s “golden generation” bring them silverware?

They, plus plenty of others, will feel they have a genuine chance of going all the way and lifting that famous trophy in Moscow on July 15.

What of England? How will they do?

Like most England fans, I am trying not to get too excited about our chances.

Do I think we will win it? No. Do I think we have it within us to get to the latter stages? Absolutely.

There are many questions to answer – inexperience and uncertainty in defence and a lack of creativity in midfield – but going forward is where the potential of this England team excites me.

Warrington's very own Jesse Lingard is part of an attacking unit that offers pace and dynamisn, as well as the world-class finishing ability of skipper Harry Kane.

What I really want to see is Gareth Southgate take the shackles off and let the team express themselves.

He has promised attacking football and that he wants to “send England fans to work happy” after games. It sounds promising, but I hope this translates on the field.

In the past few tournaments, games against the likes of Tunisia and Panama are the ones we have come unstuck in.

If we can beat and put big scores on both of the supposed weaker teams in Group G, it will send out a strong message ahead of the clash with Belgium.

In the long run, though, I cannot see past Brazil.

The way they have rebuilt themselves after their crushing 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany on home soil in 2014 has been impressive, with star man Neymar and coach Tite at its heart.

Neymar is the sort of mercurial, enigmatic talent that has the ability to change and win games with one bit of brilliance.

With Tite having found a formula that plays to his strengths, I think they will emerge triumphant.

Before then, though, let’s just sit back and enjoy this feast of football!