Friday 11th June 2010!

At last the day has finally arrived. Today is the start of the 2010 World Cup.

Whether you are a fan of football or not, there is a real sense of excitement as this event is about to kick-off. To witness so many countries coming together in a united way to watch a sport of universal interest and passion is fabulous. Billions of viewers from across the globe will be tuning in to watch a game of football together. I cannot think of anything else that could create such a union. I love it!

Flags flickering from the tops of cars and suspended from houses and across streets create this united, carnival atmosphere. Even our dog Waise has an England t-shirt – purchased by my husband who normally deplores clothes on dogs! But when you witness strangers chatting freely about their hopes and dreams of the tournament, and coming together with a common passion and sense of patriotism to support our lads, it makes you proud to be English.

But perhaps the added excitement comes from seeing the South African people euphoric with excitement and anticipation. After such a depressed past they are so enjoying this moment as their country takes the world’s centre stage for the next few weeks. When rail lines and roads have been created, and amazing stadiums and facilities built, it’s no wonder they are celebrating. They don’t expect to win the World Cup but the people of South Africa are just THRILLED that it’s being held in their country. And justly so.

Back home, as the adrenalin pumps around our bodies as we support our boys, realise that watching an England game is really good for our weight loss! All that excitement and leaping up from the sofa is a great fat burner. However, you could undo all that extra calorie burning if you consume too much alcohol! But the good news is that if England win tomorrow, our elevated heart-rate, adrenalin flow and feeling of positivity within us will mean we keep on burning more calories for longer. Let’s hope we win – and keep on winning!

BEST OF LUCK ENGLAND!