Anthony Joshua sends rallying cry to England ahead of the Three Lions World Cup opener

Waking up on Wednesday morning, it felt like the World Cup hit another gear in the past 24 hours, as some of the game's biggest names took their turn to step into the spotlight. 

This evening it's the turn of England as they finally get their tournament underway in their opening clash with Croatia in Dallas. 

Thomas Tuchel's men are seen as one of the favourites to win the competition and finally end sixty years of hurt for the men's national team, who haven't won a major trophy since that glorious summer of 1966. 

With the country primed and ready to go, and fans eagerly anticipating the big kick-off for the Three Lions, they've been given a special message from another one of the country's top sportsmen. 

Anthony Joshua is busy preparing for his big comeback fight against Kristian Penga next month - an event you can watch live on DAZN - but has taken time out to rally the England boys ahead of their first game of the tournament. 

"England, you know you can," Joshua stated to DAZN. 

"We know you will and you just got to believe it. 

"We're believing in you, we're sending all our positive energy your way. Give it your best, but we're behind you regardless. 

"Come on England!" 

Tuchel's men come into the finals off the back of a perfect qualifying campaign, and warmed up for the tournament with wins over New Zealand and Costa Rica. 

Their preparations have been slightly affected by the training ground theft earlier this week, where several items were stolen but later returned, as well as the disappointing news of Tino Livramento's injury that has seen him leave the squad. 

However, with the England captain in the form of his life, and a squad that is raring to go, hopes are high among fans that it could be a tournament to remember for this set of players. 
 

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