It's a sad fact, but I can make an educated guess that the majority of the English population shared my lack of excitement on the 15th of October. However, although England's progression into Brazil was greeted only by a minimal round of applause, no Englishman can deny that a summer without being able to watch their homeland participate in the world's most decorated competition would be fairly dull.
I don't anticipate any of our 'stars' to particularly shine next summer (let's not be silly), but I'm already salivating at the thought of the world's best players taking centre stage in Brazil next year.
Below I've assembled a truly wondrous World Cup XI, full to the brim of tricks and talent.
GK: Manuel Neuer, Germany
Since his £20m arrival at Bayern Munich in 2011, the German stopper has undoubtedly established himself as one of the finest goalkeepers in the world. Although he operates behind arguably the strongest defence in European football, Neuer is still able to leave jaws hanging with his shot stopping and impressive distribution.
Substitute: Thibaut Courtois
RB: Philipp Lahm, Germany
Another German, but it would be a sin to leave this man out of my XI. The 29 year old, recently described by Pep Guardiola as the 'cleverest' player he has ever coached, has been consistently brilliant at the World Cup and is without doubt the most gifted right back in world football. Lahm has been operating in central midfield this season in the absence of the injured Javi Martinez but that only pays testament to his excellent versatility.
Substitute: Dani Alves
RCB: Vincent Kompany, Belgium
The Belgian rock has had his fair share of injury trouble, but the solidity of his performances in qualifying ensured his country qualified for their first World Cup since 2002. The Manchester City captain's exemplary leadership will be critical in the inexperienced Belgium's campaign and if he avoids injury, he'll shine in Brazil.
Substitute: Sergio Ramos
LCB: Thiago Silva, Brazil
The PSG captain narrowly makes the starting eleven ahead of his Brazilian compatriot Dante; the consistency he's shown since his £40m move to PSG acting as the deciding factor in my choice. It's a monumental price to live up to, but the 29 year old has been impenetrable in Ligue 1 and will make Brazil a tough nut to crack next summer.
Substitute: Dante
LB: Jordi Alba, Spain
If Austria had qualified, I'd be picking David Alaba, but Barcelona's Spanish speedster is an obvious choice at left back. His incessant shuttling down the left flank will provide Spain with an extra attacking threat and his pace will ensure he can keep up with the fastest of forwards.
Substitute: Marcelo
RM: Franck Ribery, France
The Frenchman deservedly picked up the European Player of the Year award this year and if France come through their play-off against Ukraine, the Bayern Munich man will be one to watch in Brazil. Ribery has hit peak form in the last two seasons and some believe he can even rival Messi and Ronaldo for the Ballon D'or this season. It's a long shot, but if he continues to torment the Bundesliga's best, it could be a possibility.
Substitute: Marco Reus
RCM: Andres Iniesta, Spain
With so many quality players to choose from, central midfield was a difficult position to fill. The likes of Schweinsteiger, Pogba, Silva and Pirlo came to mind, but for me, it has to be Andres Iniesta. The sensational Spaniard secured Spain's first ever World Cup three years ago and continuously performs week in and week out for Barcelona. His vision and ability to hold the ball surpasses any other midfielder in Europe which makes him my first choice.
Substitute: Yaya Toure
LCM: Mesut Ozil, Germany
The German's £42m move to Arsenal still baffles me, but Arsene Wenger's shrewdness in the summer window has indubitably paid off for Arsenal who can now confidently call themselves title contenders. Ozil's assist record shadows Iniesta's and Ronaldo's reported disappointment at the German's departure is understandable.
Substitute: Bastian Schweinsteiger
LM: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Even with Champions League winner Arjen Robben flicking at his heels, Ronaldo's inclusion in my World Cup XI is a no brainer. The Portuguese international is quite simply a goal machine and his exquisite record of 154 goals in 144 appearances for Real Madrid evidences that. Before we can see his magic in Brazil he'll have to face off with Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but Portugal are favourites to pull through.
Substitute: Arjen Robben
RS: Neymar, Brazil
It was his Confederations Cup and it's likely to be the prodigal Brazilian's World Cup in front of an excitable home crowd. He's made a slow start to his Barcelona career but with the service of Andres Iniesta and the guidance of Lionel Messi, Neymar will begin to find his feet in no time.
Substitute: Sergio Aguero
LS: Lionel Messi, Argentina
It would be ridiculous to omit the world's best player. Even with injury trouble, the prolific Argentine has netted 12 times in 11 appearances so far this season and his return to fitness will provide Barcelona with a critical boost in their quest for yet another La Liga title. Messi has won everything there is to win, apart from the World Cup. Witnessing him pushing for the icing on the cake will be fascinating next summer.
Substitute: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
