England might not play in 2018 World Cup. Here's why.
England's diplomatic crisis with Russia is turning uglier by the day and now it has cast doubts about the participation of the Three Lions in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. UK Prime Minister Theresa May has already declared that UK politicians and the British Royals will not attend the football carnival, which will begin in June this year.
UK's Foreign Secretary states Russia to face a 'robust' response
With tensions boiling between the two nations, UK's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson told MPs that Russia would face a "robust" response from the UK and it would be "very difficult" for England to participate in the World Cup.
What started it all?
Former Russian spy 66-year-old Sergei Skripal and his young daughter Yulia were found unconscious on a bench in Britain's Salisbury on March 4 England claimed that they were poisoned with a nerve agent Novichok, developed by Russia. UK expelled all Russian diplomats, Russia too did the same in response while denying all allegations. The father-daughter duo are still battling for their lives.
Russian Foreign Minister confirms England could boycott WC
The Russian Foreign Minister has confirmed to news agency Interfax that 'England want to punish us with a World Cup boycott'. Meanwhile, England manager Gareth Southgate is keen on discussing the issue with his players and is hoping his players will not make individual choices.
World Cup will be held between June 14-July 15
The 21st FIFA World Cup will take place in Russia from June 14 to July 15. Russia will take on Saudi Arabia in the curtain raiser. England will play their first fixture on the 18th when they lock horns against Tunisia. Russia are placed in Group A along with Uruguay, Egypt and Saudi while England are in Group G with Belgium, Panama and Tunisia.
England could face expulsion from 2022 WC as well
A boycott of the premier football tournament could mean breaching FIFA's tournament regulation which states "all participating member associations undertake to play all of their matches until eliminated from the FIFA World Cup". This may lead to England facing further sanctions. Moreover, a withdrawal could lead to the team being thrown out of the 2022 edition as well.
England fans not keen on travelling to Russia
As far as England fans are concerned, they are not really keen on attending the World Cup in Russia. Only 24,125 ticket requests have been made by them so far, as against 96,780 requests at the same stage for the last edition in Brazil.
