England’s semi-final appearance in World Cup 2018 was followed by a loss on penalties to champions Italy in Euro 2020. Though they lost that final, the squad accomplished England’s first appearance in a final since 1966.
England are now targeting a second successive appearance in a tournament final in Qatar as a precursor to winning a second World Cup trophy. But before they do that, the Three Lions must weather three group stage games followed by three knockout matches.
England are not considered favourites to win the World Cup 2024 competition in Qatar. However, football buffs can ignore the Three Lions at their own peril.
Nobody can deny Gareth Southgate the credit he deserves. On the manager’s watch, England reached the semi-finals at the last World Cup and followed that up by with an appearance in the Euro final. In the past, England have made rough weather of favourable draws. By contrast, with Southgate at the helm, they have taken such teams as Colombia and Germany in their stride.
Wealth of Talent
Most importantly, Southgate has invested in youth. While the team still relies on such experienced players as Kane and Pickford, young talent is shining through. While the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice featured in the Euros, Jude Bellingham could get to show off his wares at the World Cup.
This England side have the wealth of talent they would need to face tough match ups. Take, for instance, the midfield, often considered a weak area in the past. With the likes of Phillips, Mount, Rice and Bellingham on active duty, England fans can breathe easy.
Any rival team would be wary of Kane and Sterling, the lynchpins of the attack. England could field the same eleven for their opener against Iran as they did against Italy in the Euro Cup final. At best, Chilwell and Reese James could replace Luke Shaw and Kyle Walker, respectively, in the defence. Bellingham is an exciting upcoming talent in the midfield.
This England side has enviable depth. Barring Harry Kane, every other player is dispensable, with quality bench strength at Southgate’s disposal. That bench strength was all too visible in the last two qualifiers versus San Marino and Albania. Southgate was able to rotate seven players without upsetting the balance of the side.
The Likely Squad
The choice of goalkeepers includes Ramsdale, Pickford and Pope. The defenders’ list must surely include Trippier, White, Stones, Dier, Maguire, Chilwell, Shaw, Walker and James. The midfielders likely to be at England’s disposal are Rice, Phillips, Henderson, Bellingham, Mount, Grealish and Foden. The attack could be spearheaded by five men, namely, Kane, Saka, Sterling, Toney, and Rashford.
England’s Route to 2024 World Cup Final
Assuming that England top Group B, they will probably meet Senegal in the round of 16. Their quarter-final rivals could be defending champions France. In the semi-finals, England could face Belgium before going on to clash with Brazil in the final.
If England finish second in Group B, their round of 16 opponents could be Netherlands. They could take on Argentina in the quarter-final and Brazil in the semi-final before facing France in the title clash.
Conclusion
Under Southgate, the England squad have built self-belief based on achievement. The manager has moulded the side and their style of play based on pragmatism. Unlike past England teams, this one is self-confident yet not complacent. The timing of the World Cup – held in the winter for the first time — is also in England’s favour. Football buffs would ignore the Three Lions at their own peril.
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