The BT Sports presenter is due to host the event in the Kremlin despite being critical of FIFA in the past, particularly with regard to awarding the event to Russia and Qatar in the first place.

Under former president Sepp Blatter’s stewardship, Lineker accused world football’s governing body of being a “revolting organisation” suffering from “nauseating” amounts of “corruption”.

He further accused current incumbent Gianni Infantino of “destroying” the planet’s premier football competition with his plans to increase participation to 48 teams.

Nevertheless, the 1986 Golden Boot winner accepted the invitation to oversee ceremonies today and explained for the first time how he was able to reconcile taking on such a high-profile role with his previous strident criticism.

“If Blatter had still been in charge I would not have done it,” he said. “But you have got a lot of new people and a lot of ex-footballers now.

“I have spoken to Zvonimir Boban who is quite high up in the hierarchy there, deputy secretary general, and he’s very impressive. Marco van Basten is there, Luis Figo, Emilio Butragueno.

“So they are making changes and it is only fair to give them the opportunity. There is hardly anyone left from the old guard.”

Lineker was part England’s failed bid to host this very tournament when a completely discredited process saw Russia named as 2018 followed by Qatar in 2022.

“They are absolutely completely happy for me to still have my strong felt beliefs and if I think there is something wrong I will continue to say so,” he maintained.

“Russia was already in and actually I never had a massive problem with Russia hosting the World Cup. It’s a proper football country that has never had it.

“It’s the next one that I am not supportive of, where that’s going and they know that.

“They explained how the bidding process will work for the next one, that everything will be transparent. They are doing everything they can with new people so let’s hope it’s different.

“Most of the old guard, the ones responsible for the corruption, are now thankfully either suspended or locked up or about to be locked up.

“I am not naive enough to think that all the problems will go away but I wouldn’t have done it if it was still the old guard with Blatter.”

And on a more light-hearted note, he joked that his being in charge of the draw could be to Gareth Southgate’s advantage.

“I’ve already taken care of the group for England – once they get to the knockout stages it’s up to the team,” he quipped.

“Seriously, though, I think we will be more competitive than in recent competitions because I think we’ve got better players than we have had.

“A lot will depend on the fitness of our stars and we have always tended to have one or two injured because we play so much and it’s quite dynamic football. We need Harry Kane, Dele Ali and John Stones fit and playing well.

“If we could get to the quarter-finals there or beyond would be a massive bonus.”