So far so good for England, in the 2018 FIFA football World Cup but, cricket players across the UK are desperate for an England victory on Thursday evening against Belgium.
In the final group G match at the Kaliningrad Stadium, England meet Belgium to decide who will finish top and play their games in the top half of the draw.
Why would it bother club cricket players though? If England top the group the next kick off will result in a last 16 game on Monday 2nd July @ 19:00 v either Japan, Senegal or Columbia. Should England progress, the 1/4 final would be on Friday 6th July @ 19:00 v either Brazil or Mexico. Both of these games are perfect for clubs and pubs but there is a nightmare scenario that may require a total re-scheduling of cricket league fixtures on Saturday 7th July.
Should England finish 2nd in the group they would again meet either Japan, Senegal or Columbia on Tuesday 3rd July@ 19:00. Should England win the game would clash with all Saturday league cricket as the KO would be on Saturday 8th July @ 15:00 and would be against Sweden or Switzerland.
How many players would not make themselves available for the Saturday cricket fixtures? From what we hear at our local club more than half would be missing, resulting in many of the games being cancelled for lack of players. Maybe the leagues might have to have a think about possible solutions to help clubs out. One idea muted locally, was for an earlier start so the games could be paused at 3pm and then resume after the England game. Although, extra time could throw that into chaos too.
So COME ON ENGLAND, do us all a favour and finish top of the group.
