“Clad top-to-toe in Jersey Bulls paraphernalia, Andy Lane takes a brief step away from drum-banging duties on the Springfield Stadium touchline and rolls up a sleeve to reveal the tattooed badge of a football team in only their seventh year of competition. The bull rearing up Lane’s right forearm matches that on his wife Jojo’s left calf, encapsulating the impact the club has made on the local community. “It’s about pride,” Lane says.

Krishnamoorthy emails: “Unpopular opinion – at least, it will be in Italy. Italy may find the B&H team more than a handful. The Bosnian team is one of the most underrated teams in the circuit and the ultra defensive approach of Italy is tailor-made for the Bosnia team. They are the experts in breaking a siege , however long.”

Italy did not look like world beaters against Northern Ireland, that’s for sure.

Wayne Rooney wants Harry Kane fit and firing at the World Cup although he doubts the England captain will seek to improve his chances by wrapping himself in cotton wool in the next couple of months.

Kane, who overtook Rooney as England’s all-time record goalscorer three years ago, is having the most prolific season of his goal-laden career, having notched 48 times across 40 appearances for Bayern Munich.

Rooney admitted how Kane fares in North America this summer could be central to England’s hopes but he believes the 32-year-old will be fully focused on helping Bayern’s pursuit of glory at home and abroad.

The Bavarian giants are nine points clear at the top of the Bundesliga and into the Champions League quarter-finals so Rooney feels Kane will only look at the World Cup after the season has finished.

“I think such an important aspect for England is having Harry Kane fit and if he is, then he’ll be a major reason why we do win it if we do,” Rooney told the Press Association.

“But if you go into any game and you’re not fully committed to that game because you’re thinking of something else then you potentially could get injured.

“Any player will tell you that you’re playing for your club and when you’re playing for your club, that’s all that matters until that season is over then you go away with England then England take over.

“I don’t think he’ll be slowing down. Hopefully Bayern Munich have the league won quite early and (head coach) Vincent Kompany gives him a little bit of help!” PA Media

It’s always fun when you can’t tell teams apart.

Fans returned to Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium for its long-awaited reopening on Saturday, embracing the pre-World Cup atmosphere despite tight security, protests across the capital and a fatal accident inside the venue.

Supporters streamed into the revamped venue for the first time in nearly two years for Mexico’s friendly against Portugal, hoping to get a taste of the kind of atmosphere which will envelop the country during soccer’s global showpiece.

Mexico will co-host the World Cup with the United States and Canada, and are set to open the tournament against South Africa at the stadium on June 11.

“We came from Puebla and we’re really excited to see the stadium and start feeling that World Cup atmosphere,” said Mexican fan Mariluly Cuesta, adding that the experience had been very well organised despite the heavier security presence.

Road closures and a large security operation made for a long walk to reach the gates, but many said the measures were expected for an event of this scale.

“We walked about a kilometre, but it felt very safe the whole way,” said Luis Camarena, a 40-year-old businessman who attended with his family. “We’re just happy to be here with the kids to watch the national team.”

While many had hoped to see Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, his absence did little to dampen the mood.

“We would have loved to see him, especially for the children, but we came for the spectacle,” Camarena added. “This way, everyone is fully behind Mexico.“

Not everyone shared the celebratory mood. Protesters staged a demonstration on a major highway near the stadium, turning it into a makeshift football pitch to highlight what they said were shortages of housing, water, transport and electricity in the area.

Inside the stadium, the festive atmosphere was overshadowed by a fatal incident shortly before kickoff, when a man died after falling from a box seat area, according to local authorities.Reuters

Michael Yokhin has been speaking to those at one of Europe’s biggest surprise packages this season, FC Thun. They are set to win the Swiss league, blowing away more elaborate opponents on their way to glory.

There were a couple of big games in the WSL yesterday.

Tom Garry saw City pummel United in the Manchester derby.

Sophie Downey witnessed an Alessio Russo hat-trick as Arsenal game out on top against Tottenham in north London.

There is plenty of WSL action later in the day.

We will kick-off with Chelsea v Aston Villa at noon, with Daniel Harris on blogging duties.

At the same time, West Ham face the London City Lionesses, before Leicester host Brighton at 3pm.

There was a bit of squad turnover at the England camp yesterday. Some will miss Tuesday’s game through injury, while Thomas Tuchel has packed a few more off.

This what you’ve all woken up for … what latest offerings. I’ve had dozens of emails asking what I’ve been up to recently, so here we are. Reading all this should take up through to lunch.

Yesterday I ticked off a new ground for me, travelling to watch what is starting to feel like the end of Harrogate Town’s time in the Football League. Never have I seen such a blunt side in the final third.

Six players out on loan in Europe doing well …

With the clocks going forward, it was even more enjoyable to take my family to the airport at 3.45am BST today. If there is any reason to read this blog on a relatively quiet Sunday, it is to see at what time I start hallucinating.

Jonathan Wilson has been taking a look at how the helter skelter nature of the Premier League has made all the players ruddy tired.

John Stones’ fitness record is pretty dreadful but Thomas Tuchel is eager to give him every chance to make his final 26-man squad for the World Cup. David Hytner takes a look at the England head coach’s admiration for the Manchester City defender.

Losing at home to Japan is the the best preparation for the Scotland’s World Cup escapades but it’s good to get these things out the way. Ewan Murray was at Hampden Park.