The Church of England has shared a prayer for the World Cup to be an event to bring nations and peoples together.
It includes prayer for us to “see and celebrate the hand of God” in the players’ creativity - a possible reference to Diego Maradona’s infamous handball goal that knocked England out of the 1986 tournament.
Released as the first match kicked off in Mexico City on Thursday, it asks for compassion for missed penalties and muddled Video Assistant Referee (VAR) checks.
"May we see something more of the world you want us to be: a gathering of every nation and people who share your glory", the prayer concludes.
The Three Lions, who have a number of Christian players in the squad, open their campaign against Croatia on Wednesday.