3amCelebrity NewsHelena FordEXCLUSIVE: Controversial Love Islander, bonafide football fanatic and sports journalist Helena Ford takes the reins with a hilarious new World Cup column…Helena Ford19:02, 17 Jun 2026As England prepares to face Croatia on Thursday night, it feels like we’re finally in the thick of the World Cup madness. I’m gonna put my money on it being a 2-1 to England, a potential goal from Kane and 100% chance of me staring at Jude Bellingham the whole match.‌When I think about the World Cup or the Euros, there are three things that immediately come to mind. Firstly, and most importantly, rosé, “it might be coming home” becoming part of my daily vocab - and which fit footballer has been chosen for the squad.‌Girls, we potentially have a whole month of glorifying mid-week drinking, living in beer gardens and shouting at the giant pop-up screens, “have a word with him, ref!”, whilst chronically not having any idea of what is even going on in the game (not all of us, of course!).‌‌Well, I’m here to tell you all that you absolutely do not need to know the difference between a striker and a centre back to actually be able to enjoy it, just as much as the men do.If you’re anything like me and live in London, it becomes our playing field where we can watch the match, from Boxpark to beer gardens in Chelsea. I can guarantee you, you’ll go in for only one drink and come out singing the national anthem.Let’s not forget the easy pulling tactics either. If you really don’t understand what’s going on in the game, scan the gaff for the fittest lad in there and ask him instead.Article continues belowEngland might not be scoring on the pitch, but you’ll definitely be scoring off it. Worst case scenario you will just find out what the offside rule is.Here’s to the next few weeks of us all shouting together: “If it was me, I’d just kick the ball in the net”. See you next Wednesday...Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Helena FordLove IslandWorld Cup 2026Football fans