Germany
Germany is a clear favourite to lift the World Cup this summer. The reigning champions showed their incredible ability throughout the qualifiers. With a squad that is typically without bulging superstars, Germany’s biggest strength has always been team spirit. They have such squad depth, that Leroy Sané didn’t even make it to the team.
Bayern duo Mats Hummels and George Boateng should head the defence, with Manuel Neuer in goal if fit, else Marc-André Ter Stegen takes over. Sami Khedira and Toni Kroos should form the midfield with Thomas Müller, Mesut Özil and Marco Reus being the attacking trio behind young Timo Werner.
It has the right blend of youth and experience, and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if Germany lift the World Cup one more time.
Spain
As usual, Spain would line up with a two-pronged Real Madrid Barcelona spine, looking to make their last World Cup debacle well and truly a part of history.
Captain Sergio Ramos has Real mates alongside in the shape of Dani Carvajal, Marco Asensio, Nacho and Lucas Vazquez. Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and the retiring Andres Iniesta – who scored the winner in the 2010 World Cup final – are the Barca contingent.
Spain have been the most successful international side over the past decade with the 2010 World Cup win sandwiched between Euro 2008 and 2012 triumphs. But after failures in 2014 and 2016, this is a new era for Spain, whichever way it goes.
Brazil
Neymar returning from injury is of course the biggest headline coming out of the Brazil squad, which is packed with stars elsewhere as well. Brazil manager Tite, with classic Brazilian swag, had named his World Cup starting 11 in February:
“The 11 who will start are Alisson; Marcelo, Miranda, Marquinhos, Daniel Alves; Paulinho, Renato Augusto and Casemiro, Neymar, Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus.”
While Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino might be knocking on the door of the first three, the announcement of the starting 11 four months in advance shows the confidence that Tite has in his squad, and how there is clarity regarding the first choice players.
Brazil, as always, are among the top favourites to win an unprecedented sixth World Cup.
France
Like Belgium, France have a squad brimming with depth and a potential starting 11 that is a match for anyone on a given day. But where the French historically struggle is getting the whole to be at least somewhere near the sum of its parts.
Hugo Lloris, Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe are comfortably among the very best players in the world, but the outfield trio is yet to replicate their potential at the international stage.
Elsewhere, the likes of Raphael Varane, Samuel Umtiti, N’Golo Kante and Blaise Matuidi, shore up a squad that can definitely go one better than their runners-up finish at Euro 2016.
Belgium
It’s safe to say that with the quality of players at their disposal, perpetual dark horses Belgium don’t quite deserve that label and are truly one of the major contenders. Thibaut Courtois, Jan Vertonghen, Romelo Lukaku, Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne are among the very best players in the world in their positions.
The absence of an obvious talismanic star actually helps the squad, given that there won’t be undue pressure on one particular individual. Belgium also have the experience of Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany and Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini to fall back on.
Argentina
Like Ronaldo, this might be Lionel Messi’s last shot at that elusive World Cup win. The fact that the Portuguese has won an international trophy at Euro 2016, while the Argentinean is still looking for his first, further puts pressure on him.
Apart from Messi, Argentina has some top quality players, such as Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain, who can form the most explosive attacking lineup. The problem, however, has been this big names disappearing for Argentina, who have – if anything – become even more reliant on Messi in recent times.
Now with Goalkeeper Sergio Romero being ruled out of the World Cup owing to injury, it seems like a major blow for Argentina.
Portugal
They conquered Europe, but can they make a statement on world’s biggest scene? A lot will depend on Portugal’s talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be vital to their chances. One man teams don’t win major tournaments, but Portugal have proven they have the mettle needed to win after they stunned hosts France in the Euro 2016 final, despite an early injury to Ronaldo. And this has increased the pressure of expectations on the team.
Portugal have injected youth into their squad, with Nani, Eder, Nelson Semedo and Andre Gomes all dropped. But they still have experienced legs where needed, with Pepe, Bruno Alves and Jose Fonte fronting the defence, and the talented Ricardo Quaresma still prowling on the flanks.
Egypt
Egypt has shown great potential, mainly on the basis of the incredible form displayed by Mohamed Salah, who at the time of writing was injured at the Champions League final, making his World Cup appearance (or even an impact if he plays) a bit doubtful.
While Salah is definitely one of the players to watch out for in the tournament, Egypt have notable English Premier League names in the squad, with Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny, West Brom defenders Ahmed Hegazy and Ali Gabr, Aston Villa defender Ahmed Elmohamady, Wigan midfielder Sam Morsy, and Stoke winger Ramadan Sobhy. If these players hold their ground, it could allow Salah to work his magic.
Uruguay
If Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani pull off their Barcelona and Paris Saint Germaine goal scoring stunts, Uruguay will be a match for most if they can create enough chances. These two players have given decent performances for their respective clubs this season, and on a good day can trouble opponents.
With the 31-year-old centre back Diego Godin at the heart of defence, the team quite evidently is made of players, who can give their best shot at the biggest prize in international football. Not just that, young midfielders Federico Valverde (19) and Nahitan Nandez (21), have shown that they are perfectly up to the challenge.
England
Harry Kane has been assigned the job of leading an England side that doesn’t sound quite as convincing or experienced compared to those of the past. The loss against Iceland in the 2016 Euros is still fresh on the eye and England is surely looking for some sort of redemption of their status.
Apart from Kane (whose premier league and Champion’s league exploits can’t be ignored), names like Raheem Sterling, Deli Alli, Jesse Lingard or Marcus Rashford don’t strike you as match winners per se. A solid midfield featuring Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier and a robust defensive showing from the likes of John Stones and Harry Maguire, could just give the squad the impetus to make it this time around.
