With the first week of the tournament now passed, the star boxer and football fanatic took time out from training to share his thoughts on England and what it feels like to lift the World Cup...

Hi everyone.

I am enjoying the World Cup so far - I hope you are too.

The opening ceremony at the World Cup was fantastic. It brought back memories of the opening ceremony at the Athens Olympics from two years ago. I am sure the squad and their families and supporters would have been so proud.

The first game between Germany and Costa Rica was a great start to the World Cup. There were two fantastic goals, especially Frings' strike.

But my favourite game without a doubt was England's win over Trinidad & Tobago on Thursday. I really enjoyed it. I was glad to see the Scouse connection strike the two goals for England. I was a bit disappointed that Crouch never did his robot dance – but never mind!

It was great to see Wayne Rooney finally make his World Cup debut and spur the England team to secure qualification for the second round.

Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard played well. Gerrard's goal is one of my favourites so far, as well as the goals from Thomas Rosicky and Kaka.

I think we just did enough to beat Paraguay in our first game. Not only did we secure the three points, but it also calmed the nerves of the England supporters in Germany and at home. It was good to start the tournament with a win. I thought David Beckham and Joe Cole were the best players that day.

We need to make sure that we win the group. I have a feeling some key players may be rested, but we have to be positive and win the game against Sweden to keep the morale high.

I also feel that we need to step up the pace. The opposition need to fear us now and we will, with a bit of luck, end up in the final. There are other teams to fear of course - Brazil, Germany, Argentina. I think the Italians could be the dark horses. They have have caught my eye.

I have been watching the games at home with my family and friends, enjoying the few hours' break from training for my next fight, which is at the Millennium Stadium on 8 July - the eve of the World Cup final.

I am getting plenty of rest and staying at home, watching the key games where I can relax and enjoy the football. I do ensure I train around the England games, doubling up my training in the mornings or evenings as I have to do four hours a day.

As part of the promotion for my next fight, I did what every England fan dreams of on Wednesday when I got my hands on the World Cup.

It was such great feeling to lift it, even though it was only a replica. It was brilliant. I can tell you it was heavy too. Let's hope Beckham will be doing the same on 9 July.

Good luck England!

Amir will be back later in the tournament - so stay with TheFA.com for more from the boxing star.

For more information about Amir, including details on his next fight, then click here for his official site.