Rome (Pre-Sale)

Rome once again head into the World Cup as favourites, with imperial hero Augustus continuing to enjoy free rein over squad selection, tactics and nutrition - even going as far as banning cheap provincial olive oils.

There are still questions over squad depth on the Germanic frontier but Augustus is confident: “I found Rome an empire of losers and made them winners. And now I’m building a legacy.”

Captain Virgil was clear about their ambitions: “fortune favours the bold - and our fortune will see us bold in the upcoming tournament”. Their squad of experienced legionaries have been the bedrock of their success, but it’s been no secret that Augustus has sent missions to Hispania and Gaul to find the next provincial wonderkid.

Still, after securing the last World Cup, expectations are sky-high around the Eternal City, where supporters demand trophies and regard a quarter-final exit as a full-blown imperial collapse.

With multiple trophies up for grabs - will all roads lead to Rome?