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As it happenedended

World Cup 2018 - LIVE: Latest news, updates to Brazil vs Switzerland as Mexico beat champions Germany

It's day four, which means it's time for Group E and F

Harry Latham-Coyle
Sunday 17 June 2018 11:36 EDT
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World Cup Opening Ceremony

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What a World Cup 2018 so far! We’ve had Cristiano Ronaldo shine as Lionel Messi faltered, Spain pretty much coach themselves, Russia hit five and VAR make its mark on the tournament. And day four is even more exciting.

Costa Rica kick it all off against Serbia at 1pm BST before two of the heavy favourites make their first marks in Russia this summer.

World champions Germany start their campaign to become only the second team to retain the trophy against Mexico at the Luzhniki Stadium before Brazil, who have won this competition more than any other country, take on Switzerland in Group E.

So, let’s get to it!

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Though there has been no official confirmation, there is plenty of chatter about a potential leak of Southgate's chosen starting lineup. It appears Harry Maguire will start as part of a back three, Ashley Young gets the nod over Danny Rose at Left Wing-Back and Jordan Henderson likely to anchor the midfield. 

Likely England Starting XI (3-5-2): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire; Trippier, Lingard, Henderson, Alli, Young; Sterling, Kane (c). 

Happy with that, England fans?

Harry Latham-Coyle17 June 2018 10:30

The on-field officials have been assigned for England's opener, with Colombia's Wilmar Roldán taking the whistle. Roldán also refereed in Brazil four years ago, and became a FIFA international referee in 2008.

Harry Latham-Coyle17 June 2018 10:39

More officiating news - here are today's VAR officials. They will be hoping for a less eventful day after yesterday's drama: 

Harry Latham-Coyle17 June 2018 11:02

Philippe Coutinho wasn't in Brazil's squad four years ago, but now he may be crucial as they look to redeem their 7-1 semi-final drubbing and win a sixth world cup. Rupert Fryer has profiled Coutinho: 

Harry Latham-Coyle17 June 2018 11:10

Big day for Costa Rica's Rodney Wallace. The New York City FC winger turns 30 today, and will hope to celebrate by helping his side to a win against Serbia. We should have team news from the Samara Arena shortly.

Harry Latham-Coyle17 June 2018 11:23

There will be some of you dismissing today's opener as thoroughly unappealing, but it could be an interesting game to watch.

Costa Rica's defensive solidity and team spirit took them to the quarter-finals in Brazil, and they will back themselves to do similarly in Russia.

Serbia have a really talented 23-man squad, and for fans who don't watch a whole lot of Italian football this tournament offers a fantastic opportunity to watch rising superstar Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The Lazio midfielder is one of the hottest names in football and is being heavily courted by Europe's biggest clubs, including Manchester United. 

Harry Latham-Coyle17 June 2018 11:41

Team news from Samara:

Harry Latham-Coyle17 June 2018 12:00

Do you want detailed live coverage of Costa Rica vs Serbia? Join Molly Hudson here throughout the game: 

Harry Latham-Coyle17 June 2018 12:02

Bad news for Serbia: Aleksandar Kolarov appears to have picked up a knock in the warm-up. It would be a big blow were they to lose their captain so close to kick-off.

Harry Latham-Coyle17 June 2018 12:36

England have finished up in their preparations in Repino. Spirits appear to be high in the camp: 

Harry Latham-Coyle17 June 2018 12:41

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