TURF WAR... SHOULD ENGLAND PLAY IN THE TOURNAMENT?

SAFETY of the players, staff and fans must be paramount.

However, to keep an England team away from a World Cup in Russia merely as a political gambit would be an insult to the memory of the soldiers who fought for our freedom in the First World War.

When troops emerged from the trenches on Christmas Day 1914, it was for a game of football. Sport can transcend war – cold or in its bloodiest reality.

We trumpet as a national characteristic our ability to put differences aside, compete in a sporting manner, and then shake hands afterwards.

Gareth Southgate’s side should rightly shun any attempt by Vladimir Putin to politicise the competition but still embrace this jamboree.

Russia should not be allowed to spoil that.

The question is not should England go to the World Cup, but should the World Cup go to Russia? THERESA May has confirmed Russia was responsible for the Novichok attack in Salisbury 10 days ago.

Three people are seriously ill, 38 were treated for exposure. Up to 500 Salisbury citizens may have been contaminated.

Mrs May described Vladimir Putin’s disgraceful record of “state-sponsored assassination” – his licence to kill anyone who disrespects him.

Now our Football Association should immediately withdraw England from the 2018 World Cup, an event Putin wants only to glamorise his absolute power.

In Russia, the England squad and fans turn into sitting duck targets. They face a grave risk of life and limb.

Staying away is not what we want. We love sport.

But we also love our country and its peaceful ways. We must stand with Salisbury.

Yes Says Express football writer Matthew Dunn No Says security expert Prof Anthony Glees