THE cohort of Oxford pundits roaming Russia for the World Cup have backed England to reach a first World Cup semi-final in 28 years.

Former England footballer Martin Keown, who lives in North Oxford, will be commentating on today’s game live on BBC One.

The former Arsenal defender urged the players to control their emotions and enjoy the occasion.

He said: “For the players it’s about trying to keep a lid on the emotions and not use up nervous energy until the game.

“I know what it’s like to represent England at a major tournament and there’s no place you would rather be than standing in that line of players in the tunnel waiting to go out and play for your country and all the people back home.

“They have to remain professional and go out and enjoy it.”

Mr Keown, who went to two World Cups and played for England at two European Championships, is preparing for more than 30 million people to be tuning in this afternoon.

He said: “I really enjoy it – it’s the closest thing to playing or managing

“You have to expect the unexpected and realise you are just a conduit to explain the pictures.”

The former Marston Saints player, who played 43 times for England, said fans may be made to sweat again but predicted an England win.

He said: “I think 1-0 to England but it might not necessarily be within the 90 minutes.

“It seems to be set up for that, the way Sweden play.”

An Oxford contingent of journalists, including The Telegraph’s Jason Burt and The Mail on Sunday’s Oliver Holt will also be reporting on the game.

Another Oxford man, BBC Sport’s chief football writer, Phil McNulty, has also been travelling the length and breadth of Russia following all of the World Cup tournament action.

He said: “For all the questions beforehand, this has been a superbly organised World Cup - although these tournaments are truly made by the football and that has been among the exciting in recent memory.

“Russia is such a vast country that there has been lots of travelling and lots of early starts but it has been exhilarating.”

Mr McNulty said it had been a ‘superb experience’ no matter what happened today but backed England to progress.

He said: “From an England point of view, I felt quarter-finals would represent a fair return before they left for Russia but I believe they will beat Sweden.

“The draw has opened up in such a fashion that this may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Gareth Southgate and his players to reach a World Cup final.”