The World Cup is now just two weeks away and excitement levels are beginning to build in anticipation of what should be a gripping tournament in Brazil.

The Samba Boys will get the ball rolling on July 12 when they face Croatia in Sao Paolo but while Huddersfield Town may not be represented in the competition this summer, the players still have plenty to say about what will happen.

We’ve been speaking to Town youngster Joe Lolley to get his thoughts on the World Cup and how far he thinks Roy Hodgson’s England side will progress.

Joe took some time out from his close-season fitness work to speak to our sports reporter Tom Marshall-Bailey.

TMB - The question on everyone's lips, Joe, how will England fare in Brazil this summer?

JL - "As much as I would like to say we can win it, I think it will probably be either the quarters or the semis.

"I think if we got to the semi finals it would be a great achievement and I think we are capable, but winning it may be a step too far.

"I think we'll do better than in previous tournaments."

Who will be England's star man?

"I don't think anyone particularly stands out.

"[Wayne] Rooney is key, if he plays well, we'll play well but I don't think anyone will have a standout performance as such.

"I think, as a team, we have got a stronger squad this year, a more exciting squad with a bit more pace and hopefully people are going into it in form.

"With the likes of [Raheem] Sterling and [Adam] Lallana, it will be exciting I think."

Which of England's young players will stand out?

"I think Lallana will play quite a bit but I'd like to see Sterling.

"I think he's been so good for Liverpool in the last three or four months especially and, with his pace and the way he runs at players, I'd like to see him from the start.

"If he does, I think he'll do well so I think Sterling will be the one to have a breakthrough World Cup, so to speak."

Joe Lolley is expecting big things from Liverpool's Raheem Sterling in Brazil this summer

Who will win it?

"I think it's out of four - Argentina, Brazil, Spain and Germany.

"I'm going to go for Brazil because they're the host nation.

"The fact it is in South America and they are the home country will play a big part.

"Defensively they're strong, surprisingly for the Brazilians, so I think they'll do it, just."

Who will win the golden boot?

"I'm tipping Argentina to do well, because other than England I want them to win it, and I've got [Lionel] Messi down as top scorer.

"I think Argentina have got a pretty weak group so I'm hoping if Messi scores three in the group stages and then a few more in the last 16, quarters, semis etc, he might win it with about five or six."

Argentina and Barcelona sensation Lionel Messi will win the Golden Boot, according to Joe Lolley

Which side do you think will be this year's dark horse?

"Belgium aren't really dark horses anymore, I think everyone knows how strong they are these days.

"I like Chile and the way they play.

"I think they could surprise a lot of teams but apart from that, I think it will be the usual names.

"Maybe Colombia, but if Falcao is out, they might struggle a touch."

Joe Lolley is tipping Chile to be the dark horses of the World Cup

And finally, what are you most looking forward to about the tournament?

"Being back home, with all your friends and you all support different teams, I just love the atmosphere of everyone as a massive group, whether you're watching at home or at the pub, coming together to support one team.

"You share that feeling if you win or lose with your friends and that doesn't happen too often, so I enjoy that."

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