BBC presenter Gabby Logan reveals what's she's up to at the World Cup in Russia...
As the World Cup kicks off in Russia today, BBC presenter Gabby Logan gives What's On TV the lowdown on England’s hopes, her favourite World Cup memories and why she’s a big fan of Germany….
WOTV: What are your favourite World Cup memories?
Gabby Logan: "I remember Italia 90 really well. My parents had gone off to the World Cup for two weeks with my brother and they’d left me home alone for the first time. I was 17 and I just watched so much of it, it was so vibrant and made me want to work in that industry. I just remember playing Nessun Dorma all the time on repeat on my Sony Walkman – I just loved it!
WOTV: What's your presenting role for the BBC in Russia?
GL: "I’m going to be following all England’s matches, and all of the stuff going on around the England camp – hopefully nothing too dramatic, though! We’ve been promised quite good access with the players and the manager this time. What often happens is the players get a bit of cabin fever inside the camp and then they go, ‘actually I’d like to do an interview because I want to get out of the hotel!’"
[Guide to when the World Cup matches are on and what channels]
WOTV: Have you been to Russia before to cover football?
GL: "Not football, but I did the World Athletics Championships in Moscow and I’ve been to St Petersburg before. I think Russia is in the truest sense of the word exotic, because it’s so different from our cultural norms and our values."
WOTV: Who will be the stars of this World Cup?
GL: "I’d also love to see Harry Kane inspire England to get 20 per cent more out of their performances. And Ronaldo, whether you love him or you loathe him, has an ability to take the Portugal players up to the next level. I’d like to see he new young goalkeeper Nick Pope make an appearance. I think England might need divine intervention, so bring on the Pope!"
WOTV: Who do you think is going to win the World Cup this time?
GL "Germany, because they have the strength of mind and character and I think they’ll be really tough to beat. They’re so tournament savvy and they expect to win. I’m a big fan!"
* Gabby Logan will be part of the BBC team. World Cup 2018 coverage begins Thursday June 14
Pics - Gazza: Colorsport/REX/Shutterstock; Harry Kane: Michael Zemanek/BPI/REX/Shutterstock
