The World Cup started today and we know what you’re thinking - can I get time off work to watch it?

Now obviously we are not advocating taking days off work just to watch some men kicking a ball around a freshly mown lawn, but there might be a way of making it work.

You could of course call in sick for an important game but chances are your boss isn’t stupid and will know exactly why you are suddenly struck down with a 24-hour flu bug.

Your boss has to take a request for working different hours seriously (although we are not sure if football is the best reason for this).

Lawyer Chris Kisby told The Mirror: “A blanket refusal (from your boss) may be counterproductive. The World Cup might be an opportunity to improve employee engagement and productivity by allowing staff to watch or listen to matches.”

Here is some advice:

If one particular World Cup game is literally going to change you life forever you could ask your boss if you can work flexible hours. You could come in a lot earlier one day or work a lot later another.

Take it as holiday. If it means that much to you then one day of holiday could be the easiest option.

If a lot of you in the office want time off, put it to your manager and see what they say.

Ask to work from home.

If there is a TV in the office, make a case to your manager to have it on in the background.

Don’t get too upset if you aren’t allowed to watch the football. You will be ok.

When are England playing?

Monday, June 18: England v Tunisia

Sunday, June 24: England v Panama

Thursday, June 28: England v Belgium