I love the World Cup and I love the beautiful game. Who’d have known that such a passion for the game would make me ‘boring’ in the office? The irony of me getting Panama in the company sweepstake didn’t go unnoticed.

Talking of Sunday’s game (England v Panama) – how interesting it was to come to the office on Monday and discover the emergence of so many newly qualified football pundits.

I enjoyed watching the England Netball team win the Commonwealth Gold but it didn’t make me an expert in the game nor feel qualified to become a pundit, yet somehow when it comes to football, after one emphatic win – everyone becomes the expert.

So here are my top 10 (+1) observations to help you differentiate a genuine football supporter from your fair-weather fans.

A fair-weather fan will:

• think Gary Southgate is doing a great job
• think Harry Styles plays up front
• be sporting all the latest apparel from Sainsburys or Asda
• hope there is a penalty shoot out
• be disappointed that Becks isn’t in the starting 11
• only watch the England games
• look forward to the ‘interval’
• think players get paid too much and shouldn’t get anymore when the game goes into overtime
• say ‘it’s only a game’
• reminisce about Madonna handling the ball into the net
• think England last won the Cup in 1066

A genuine football supporter will:

• do none of the above!

Be careful what you say – it just might expose you.