The 2014 World Cup begins on June 12, when Brazil plays Croatia in the opening match. Reporters and editors for The Times will count down to the start of the tournament each day with a short capsule of news and interesting tidbits.

Another player who had a chance to figure in England’s plans for the World Cup now faces a lengthy rehabilitation after sustaining a season-ending knee injury in a Premier League match last Saturday.

Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez, 24, ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee midway through the first half in the Saints’ 4-1 loss to Manchester City.

On its website, the club said, “This will keep him out of action for six months and regrettably means he will not be fit for selection by the English national team at this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil.”