Russia is hosting the World Cup this Summer and opposition Member of Parliament Ian Austin said Putin would use the tournament to improve Russia's image, comparing it to when Hitler's Germany hosted Olympics. "Your characterisation of what is going to happen in Moscow in the World Cup, in all the venues - yes, I think the comparison with 1936 is certainly right," he replied. He was concerned however about the safety of English fans and the ability of the British embassy and consular services to protect them. Johnson said applications to go to Russia for the World Cup were about a quarter of what they were at this stage ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. "It is up to the Russians to guarantee the safety of England fans going to Russia," he added.

Source: Bangkok Post March 21, 2018 17:26 UTC