What will it mean for Irish fans?

IT IS not just the bidding nations that will be waiting anxiously for today’s announcements — fans from all over the world will be wondering where they will be spending their summers in 2018 and 2022, too.

For Irish supporters, England should be the dream destination for 2018. Plenty already know their way to Old Trafford and Wembley, and few will be unable to find some relatives to stay with in London, Birmingham or the NorthWest.

Travel is cheap and well-established, we speak the same language (more or less) and food and drink should not be too unfamiliar.