The World Cup is now underway as hosts Russia thrashed Saudi Arabia in the opening game. 

As always on a Thursday, we were joined by Ireland and Leeds legend John Giles and he gave his take on the Russian victory, explaining that he was pleasantly surprised by the Russian performance.

But he also had his say on England's World Cup chances. While expecting them to get out of a group featuring Belgium, Tunisia and Panama, he doesn't hold out much hope for them, especially given the paucity of midfield players to feed a decent forward pack.

"I don't fancy them to do well," he said, adding that Gareth Southgate has proved to be "a good PR man" in dealing with the press.

"He's gone from three at the back to four at the back and the system. I keep hearing about the system. It's nothing to do with the system. It's getting your best players to play in their best positions." 

He also felt that the decision to get the England players out for a spot of commando training was a waste of time.  

John also branded the Spain situation a "disaster" after their FA chief chose to sack manager Julen Lopetegui who announced his post-World Cup move to Real Madrid on the eve of the tournament.

"It's a disaster," he said, adding that he couldn't understand FA president Rubiales' decision and that he seemed to be taking it personally and should have put country before his personal anger at Lopetegui.

"I think in the situation that they're in, the president should be doing what's best for the team and for the country."