Will being the host inspire or suffocate England?

To host or not to host, that is the question. After witnessing first hand the buzz and excitement that has been so evident at the four games I have attended over the opening two weekends of World Cup action, I can think of nothing better than the prospect of Ireland hosting the event in eight years’ time, writes Donal Lenihan.

That said, be careful what you wish for, as the England squad is discovering at present, it is not all sweetness and light.

Running the event has the capacity to inspire or suffocate the host nation.