The World Cup is upon us, and as England prepares for its opening game against Croatia, the focus is on the players and their families. But where have all the Wags gone? The term 'Wags' has become synonymous with the high-profile partners of football players, but in this World Cup, things are different. Instead of the glitz and glamour of Baden-Baden, the England squad is opting for a more low-key approach, with many players choosing to stay in Florida with their families rather than decamp to Kansas City. This shift in behavior is a stark contrast to the antics of the Wags in Germany 20 years ago, where the likes of Victoria Beckham and Cheryl Cole enjoyed the attention and the spotlight. But what makes this change so interesting? Personally, I think it's a reflection of the changing times and the evolving roles of women in society. The Wags of the past were often seen as a sideshow, a distraction from the real action on the pitch. But in this World Cup, the players' partners are choosing to stay out of the spotlight, focusing on their own careers and lives. This is particularly fascinating given the high-profile careers of many of these women. Bukayo Saka's girlfriend, Tolami Benson, works in advertising, while Harry Kane's wife, Katie Goodland, has kept a relatively low profile throughout his career. This shift in behavior also raises a deeper question about the role of football players' partners in the World Cup. In the past, the Wags were often seen as a source of entertainment, a way to spice up the tournament and attract more viewers. But in this World Cup, the players' partners are choosing to stay out of the spotlight, focusing on their own lives and careers. This suggests a shift in the way the World Cup is perceived, with a greater emphasis on the players and their performances rather than the sideshow that the Wags often provided. What this really suggests is that the World Cup is evolving, and the role of the Wags is becoming less relevant. The tournament is becoming more about the players and their performances, and less about the glitz and glamour that the Wags often brought. This is a positive development, as it allows the focus to remain on the game itself, rather than the distractions that the Wags often provided. In my opinion, this is a welcome change, and it's a sign that the World Cup is becoming a more serious and respected event. The players and their families are choosing to stay out of the spotlight, focusing on their own lives and careers, and this is a good thing. It's a sign that the World Cup is becoming a more mature and professional event, and that the players are taking their roles and responsibilities more seriously. So, where have all the Wags gone? They're still there, but they're choosing to stay out of the spotlight, and that's a good thing. The World Cup is evolving, and the role of the Wags is becoming less relevant, and that's a positive development for the tournament and for football as a whole.
