The role of the English language in the life of people

People in Russia study some foreign languages: French, German, Spain, Italian and some others. But the most popular is, of course, English. Why so? I think that there are some reasons for its popularity. First, children learn it at school; they study it further at the universities and institutes because it is easier to learn than any other language. Second, it sounds very pleasant and sweet. Third, English is used in world media.