The excitement of the World Cup beckons

I'm back after a long break! And just in time for the World Cup.

Just four days away, the greatest show on earth will kick off at 3pm on Friday afternoon with the hosts South Africa playing Mexico at the final stadium, the Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg. It's at an altitude of 1,753m, but that won't be a problem for the Mexicans, familiar with playing at the altitude of the Aztec Stadium, Mexico City.

South Africa are the lowest ranked team at 83, but the hosts traditionally perform above their rankings in the finals. Mexico are ranked 17, but their recent form has been patchy. Expect a nervous game played in front of a loud and expectant crowd.

Meanwhile, England play a final warm-up game on Monday afternoon against local South African side the Platinum Stars. It will be a last chance for Fabio Capello to try out the players who will start the tournament against the USA on Saturday evening. Gareth Barry looks likely to miss out, and with Rio Ferdinand out of the competition, Capello has those two bis decisions to make.

England will also be hoping that there is no repeat of the crowd problems that blighted the Nigeria v North Korea game when a stampede left 16 hurt at the game at the Makhulong Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday. The FA is confident sufficient security measures are in place.

The excitement builds!