It seems like just yesterday when ASBOs were being handed out left, right and centre for over-enthusiastic Vuvuzela players, but the FIFA World Cup has come round once again. Even if you’re not that big a fan of football, you simply can’t avoid the hype when it comes to the World Cup, from tacky flag plastered windows to beers and barbecues. It only happens once every four years, so why not drop the cynicism and get involved with these fun ways to enjoy the beautiful game.

Take your bets

There’s nothing like a little competition when it comes to the World Cup, so get your friends involved in a sweepstake and make sure you bag England for the winner. Consider taking bets for the score of each of England’s games – supporting your country could just earn you a few extra pounds. Alternatively, if you want to be a little more clued up about the whole event, download a betting app to keep you in tune with England’s chances.

Think outside the box

Any Tom, Dick or Harry can follow England in the World Cup and keep score of their goals scored – but why not look at the other achievements made by our best men? Who will score a hat trick, which player will score the most goals overall, and can a winger win the golden boot? This is a great way for you to get to know the game a little better – for example, you could brush up on your knowledge of player positions. While a striker should take the golden boot, with comparatively fewer games than national tournaments, it could be down to anybody, so thinking outside the box will definitely make supporting England during the World Cup more exciting.

Get your mates involved

Rather than sitting back and rolling your eyes every time your housemate turns the football on, consider having friends over to support your country and make a game of the event. Get the barbecue going, crack open the beers and turn your eyes to the television – if your mates are more clued up on the beautiful game than you, you could learn a thing or two about the England team. If it’s the blind leading the blind, you could all benefit from getting together in one setting and teaching yourselves some of the golden rules – including the elusive offside rule.