Monday 11 June 2018 08:19, UK
Final preparations are taking place across the tiny Russian village of Repino as the residents prepare for the arrival of some of the biggest names in European football.
England's World Cup hotel, ForRest Mix Club, is on lockdown ahead of the arrival of Gareth Southgate's team on Tuesday. Military police are stationed outside the forest-laden health spa, while police officers regularly patrol the quiet streets around the grounds.
But other than that, you would barely know the world's biggest tournament will be happening less than an hour's drive away in St Petersburg.
Life continues for the 2,400 residents of the village on the Gulf of Finland. The church bells are rung every hour, tourists still arrive from the city to enjoy the country air and there is barely a poster or banner promoting the World Cup. You would never know Harry Kane, Dele Alli and another 21 Premier League stars are about to come to town.
In the Cronwell Hotel, where England's media conferences and interviews will take place, it is a different matter.
The hotel's games room has been converted into a top-notch media lounge with rooms for the press, comfy chairs for player chats, big screens and space for a bite to eat.
The effort that has gone into getting the room up to standard by The FA and local workers has been staggering. Arcade machines, air hockey and fusball tables have been removed over the last 24 hours and replaced with modern furniture, snazzy branding and 21st-century facilities.
Two things remain, however. The tenpin bowling alley is still in place and the karaoke machine has been moved into the FA's offices. I presume for safe-keeping, not to practice.
It is just a glimpse of how much work has been put in by England's backroom staff for the players, Football Association and media to feel comfortable over the next few weeks.
The ForRest Mix Club has been selected not only for its secure location but also because it is large enough for the players to be able to switch off in many different ways as soon as training and pre-match preparations come to an end.
In some ways, it is very similar to their base at St George's Park in Derbyshire. Rural and remote but quiet and modest, especially when compared to previous World Cups.
If the players do leave the hotel grounds for something other than training they will be welcomed by the locals without being mobbed.
They could even pop down to the nearby beach but I would not recommend dipping a toe in the water, it is still nippy at times up here in northern Russia.
Sky Sports News will be live from Russia every day during the World Cup. Join us for World Cup Breakfast at 8am before World Cup Report at midday and 5pm.
