Fastgoal.com <World Cup 2018> - Group G - England Team Review

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England

FIFA World Ranking: 13
Qualifying Average Goals Per Match: 1.80
Qualifying Average Goals Against Per Match: 0.30
Qualifying Top Scorer: Harry Kane (5)
World Cup Best Performance: Winners (1966)

Group G Opponents: Belgium, Panama and Tunisia


The Manager: Gareth Southgate
A calm and steadying influence was just what was needed following the embarrassing Sam Allardyce incident, and former Under 21 boss Southgate has stepped into the role with aplomb. Seemingly well liked by the players, the former England centre back has clearly translated much of his defensive acumen to the players, as evidenced by his side conceding only three goals on route to the finals. Winning eight and drawing 2 of their ten games in qualification, Southgate’s version of England are very tough to beat, and that can be half the battle at these big tournaments. Still most famous for missing a penalty at the 1996 European Championship, success at this tournament as England boss would change all that.


The Squad:
One of the more unique squads in the competition, in that each and every one of the players on the plane to Russia were playing their club football in the English Premier league last season. No other team at the finals has a squad exclusively drawn from that countries domestic league. Considering the fact that the Premier League is undoubtedly one of the best club leagues in the world, this England squad is certainly in the top five or six in the tournament on paper.

The goalkeeping position has become a little unsettled following the erratic form of Joe Hart, who now drops out of the squad completely. Jordan Pickford is now expected to wear the gloves in the opener and is a shot stopper par excellence with plenty of experience representing his country at youth and Under 21 level.

John Stones, Harry Maguire and Gary Cahill bring a nice mix of class, youth and experience to the back four, whilst England are particularly well stocked in the wingback position through the likes of Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker and the emerging Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Eric Dier and Jordan Henderson provide a solid base in midfield whilst Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard and Raheem are charged with creating the chances for lethal frontman Harry Kane.


Star Man: Raheem Sterling
Kane is an undoubtedly a world class finisher, but isn’t the type of player to create too many chances on his own. The Tottenham forward is going to need service and that’s where Raheem Sterling comes in. Simply electric for Manchester City, with the arrival of Pep Guardiola coinciding with a marked improvement in his game, his pace and trickery can be too much for sides to live with at times. If Sterling is on song in Russia, England can be expected to do well.


Outlook:
Two wins will be enough to see England through here and they should get them against Panama and Tunisia. Belgium will prove a far tougher test but if everything goes to plan they will be through to the next round by the time that game comes around anyway. With no real big guns lying in wait in the last 16 regardless of whether they finish first or second in the Group, second to Belgium will be a perfectly acceptable result.


Group G Prediction: http://fastgoal.com/forum/index.php?topic=2481.0

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