THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2022 QATAR: OVERVIEW OF THE 6️⃣ CONTENDERS- PART TWO

 THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2022, QATAR

OVERVIEW OF THE FAVOURITES- PART TWO

-Samarth Purohit and Mitansh Kagalwala

Photo Via: OldTraffordFaithful

FRANCE

The reigning champions enter this World Cup with aspirations of repeating their 2018 run. With the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Christopher Nkunku developing immensely since then, along with Karim Benzema’s Balon Dor winning form, France has a goal threat few others can compare with. However, things are not all sunshine and rainbows in Paris, as Deschamps’ squad has weakened compared to 2018, particularly in regards to the midfield and defence. France could possibly fill an entire squad with its injury list, with the likes of Paul Pogba and N’golo Kante missing out through injury, while Samuel Umtiti’s stock has plummeted in the last few years. Raphael Varane has been brilliant for Manchester United this season, but has been injured for the last few games, so his form and fitness are suspect as well, and he is expected to miss France’s opening game. Antoine Griezmann, France’s star man in 2018, has also lost his form tremendously. The likes of Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga will have to step up in the decisive moments this World Cup, for France to have hopes of repeating the Championship. Else, the curse of the World Champions is ever present in the minds of the players and the manager, ready to claim its next victim. Were Deschamps to underperform, Zidane is waiting to swoop up his position before the next major tournament, so pressures are running high for the Blues.

Predicted Starting Eleven: Hugo Lloris; Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Jules Kounde, Theo Hernandez; Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe

Prediction: Finals (By luck of the draw, if France finish first, they avoid Brazil and Argentina until the finals)

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ENGLAND

The Three Lions are, if nothing else, a team that always generate controversy. With another golden generation on their hands, the question of whether England will finally take another major trophy home remains. Much has been made about frustrations with manager Gareth Southgate, who failed marginally to win the Euros, and has been far from impressive since then in the Nations League. His apparent bias towards some players (such as Harry Maguire, who is no longer considered a starter for Manchester United) has irked fans endlessly. His pragmatic approaches and setups also frustrate, given the wealth of attacking talent he has at his disposal. The absence of Reece James through injury and the exclusion of Ivan Toney from the squad will further hurt Southgate. England’s best asset is its offence: Rashford, Saka, Foden and Kane have all been in fine form for their respective Premier League clubs, as has James Madison. England can also count on young star Jude Bellingham to marshal their midfield, alongside Declan Rice. The defence, however, is a clear sore spot, with the centre-back options available to Gareth Southgate not particularly confidence-inspiring. The extent of England’s success in Qatar rests on Southgate’s ability to make full of use of his squad, and of the English players, especially the youngsters, put the disappointment of the Euros behind them.

Predicted Starting Eleven: Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Kieran Trippier; Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Mason Mount; Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Phil Foden

Prediction: Quarter-Finals

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GERMANY

The Germans will head to Qatar off the back of a disappointing Euro 2021, looking to banish the demons of their group stage exit in 2018. The Germans certainly have no dearth of talent in any are of the pitch, but are spoilt for choice in between the sticks, with both Manuel Neuer and Marc Andre Ter-Stegen part of the squad. Midfield is undoubtedly one of Germany’s other great strengths, with coach Hansi Flick able to call upon several of the world’s best, including Joshua Kimmich, Ilkay Gundogan, Leon Goretzka, Jamal Musiala, and Julian Brandt. The hero in 2014, Mario Gotze, also makes the cut, following his run of fine form at Eintracht Frankfurt. Out wide and in creative midfield too Germany do not lack, with Bayern trio Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane and Thomas Muller eager to tear defences apart. This does not even include Kai Havertz, who has been in good form for the national side. The centre of the defence looks secure as well, however, a lack of world class back-up options to call upon may hurt the Germans given the frequency of injuries this season. Germany’s biggest problem areas are upfront and their fullbacks. Germany still don’t have a world class striker, with young star Youssoufa Moukouko arguably too inexperienced, and Karim Adeyemi out of form. Flick’s range of options at fullback are limited and not awe-inspiring too. It remains to be seen whether this talented German squad can flourish against the world’s best, and live up to the expectations of their countrymen.

Predicted Starting Eleven: Manuel Neuer; David Raum, Antonio Rudiger, Niklas Sule, Thilo Kehrer; Joshua Kimmich, Ilkay Gundogan; Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry; Kai Havertz

Prediction: Quarter-Finals

Photo Via: Goal

**Note: All predictions based on the World Cup draw and who we think will advance against the teams they are most likely to face in the knockout rounds