VOLGOGRAD, Russia — For once there’s little hype surrounding England at the World Cup. Come to think of it, how could there be, given England hasn’t won a World Cup match for nearly eight years?

But there’s a building sense of optimism that this young England team could produce impressive performances in Russia, starting Monday against Tunisia in their opening Group G encounter in Volgograd.

The team won plaudits for its positive approach in warmup games and there’s wide respect for Coach Gareth Southgate. That was evident in the low-key way he went about picking his squad. Southgate has made a priority of winning back the hearts and minds of the country during his time in the job.

“I’ve talked before about there being a disconnect between the supporters and the team, and I’ve felt that there’s different ways to bridge that,” Southgate said. “The most important is the way you play, and your performances and your results.”

Southgate has also sought to fundamentally alter the dynamic with the media in hopes it will alleviate the pressure on his team and translate into fearless performances.

Less prickly and reserved, the players have been open and relaxed at their training camp in Repino, outside St. Petersburg.

“I think that’s how we’ve wanted to make it as a team,” striker Jamie Vardy said, “nice and relaxed and enjoyable, where we can have a laugh and a giggle.”

Having a laugh and a giggle hasn’t been something England teams have been known for over the past decade or so, when heavily hyped teams failed to make much progress in any international tournament.

NIGERIA fans are accustomed to bringing live chickens to games for good luck. Sensing World Cup staff might have an issue with that, they asked Russian officials if their fowl friends could accompany them.

Russian officials unsurprisingly said no. No chickens allowed.

If Nigeria fans want to take their chickens elsewhere to root on their Super Eagles, that shouldn’t be much of a problem.

“We will of course advise them where chickens can be taken,” said a Russian official. “We are ready to satisfy the most eccentric inquiries.”

The idea of building a soccer stadium in Boston is “no secret,” Mayor Martin J. Walsh said, adding he’s spoken to New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft about the idea.

“I’d love to see Boston build our first open-air stadium since Fenway Park,” Walsh said.

The 2026 World Cup will be held in North America.

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